What Name are These Clouds?

[Larry J. Kosch]

Today (06-05-09) I noticed that the VIS SAT over CO had some interesting cloud ripples or "waves" coming across the mountains. The air flow was from W to E with the low clouds in the east clearing off due to radiational heating.

Is there a particular name for this type of cloud formation? Thanks.

 

[Eian Greene]

They look like mountain wave clouds to me. They're pretty common on and along the Colorado Frontrange. They're very photogenic around sunset.

 

[Greg Blumberg]

Eian is right. I'd also like to add that mountain waves are also called lee waves.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_waves

http://profhorn.meteor.wisc.edu/wxwise/AckermanKnox/chap12/mountain_waves.html