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Cloverpatch, Alec and all. A couple of years ago I captured an event and posted photos here. I did not know what to label the cloud pics but posted them. A Dr No responded with info and link. Yes, its all about the interfacing of different layers of moisture.The difference can be in speed ( K-H) as well in direction and in density, temperature, etc. The difference in layers that interface with each other produces the various wave formations as the layers go thru processes to reduce the differences to..zero..Instability to stability. Holmboe get to rocking and rolling, sloshing back and forth and spouting off like volcanoes..all proceeding to stability due to multiple differences in layers. K-H is relatively simple with its one direction cresting waves. So if you see a line of waves and near the ends the waves crest in opposite directions you may be witnessing Holmboe Instability. If you see a string of crests with what looks like volcanoes erupting you are definitely seeing Holmboe. Once you got it, you might be surprised about how often they occur. But I live in the desert where,,the atmosphere is either clear blue or in upheaval . If I have clouds, some form of K-H is usually part of the show. Holmboe isn’t quite as frequent but the phenomena isn’t ” rare” in the desert skies either.
Arizona Sunset #41
clover..ahh you saw it!..Yes that picture was taken near the end of great little asperitas(spelling has been revised due to a Latin expert’s perspective on grammar) event one morning in Mesa Az. Below is the event at a distance and some may remember this shot from Gallery or previous postings. To have such an event approach and roll overhead seemingly to be able to touch..leaves one in a place where words haven’t been originated to describe..yet.
A Good test for asperitas is..look at it upside down. Undulating waves should be easily discerned with pockets or depressions going up into the cloud base..Your photo when viewed upside down,,clearly demonstrates asperitas undulatus.
Minor issue…K-H waves crest in the same direction. Holmboe waves can and do crest in opposite directions . I think you photographed Holmboe Instability effected clouds cloverpatch.In any case its all about the unstable trying to return to stable. Nice Capture!..and Alec..geesh, don’t forget your Contract!!
Capped Clouds..as in, first they were Cumulus then they got capped by high speed moisture laden atmosphere.
