Can Cumulus cloud cause Fallstreak hole?

[Ramona Edwards]

I was watching some clouds in the morning sky yesterday and saw something that puzzled me.  Along a low mountain range some cumulus clouds were reaching up to the layer of clouds above them – just starting to touch them.  As I watched (and took lots of photos, LOL) it appeared as if they caused a fallstreak hole as they touched and grew taller than the clouds above them.  These are the beginning and ending photos – just where they started to touch and then when a hole has appeared with streaks “falling” down from it – each photo is in color and black and white for contrast.  I suspect this is just a coincidence, but I figured it didn’t hurt to ask! Photos taken in Huntsville, AL.

Ramona 

[Hans Stocker]

This is an interesting question you put forward Ramona. The images are clear and I can see what happens. What I know (you can find it in Wikipedia) is that super cooled droplets in the altocumulus layer need ice nuclei to crystallize to start the process of the formation of a fallstreak hole. Usually it is a plane that causes the start of the process. Never thought it could also happen this way but yet we can both see it on the images. I suppose / assume that the droplets in the growing cumulus provide for the needed nuclei to trigger the fallstreaks to form.

I am curious for other opinions. Thanks for sharing this one Ramona.

[Ramona Edwards]

Thanks, Hans!  I have plenty of “in between” photos if needed, too!  I was having a hard time believing what I was seeing – or I thought maybe I was misunderstanding what was going on – but the streaks were right there in every photo.  SO, that’s why I came here to find out for sure!  I appreciate all input!
Blessings

Ramona

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