Lenticularis

Definition

A cloud species in the shape of a lens, almond or saucer, often with smooth, sharply defined edges unlike any other cloud. It occurs in cirrocumulus, altocumulus and stratocumulus and is a signature of standing waves.

Field note

A lenticular does not drift even though the air inside it is moving fast: it is a standing wave made visible. The sharper and more stacked the lenses, the stronger the wind aloft.

Related terms

• Altocumulus · Altocumulus
• Undulatus · undulatus
• Stratiformis · stratiformis