December 16th, 2011
These "wave-like" clouds were seen in Birmingham, Alabama today.
The clouds are called Kelvin Helmholtz clouds and are named after
Lord Kelvin and Hermann Von Helmholtz. The formation indicates
extreme turbulence in the atmosphere associated with vertical wind shear,
or winds changing in speed with height. The higher winds above the surface
scoop the top of the cloud layer into wave-like rolling structures. As in the
ocean, the wave crests are pushed ahead of the troughs.
Below I have posted a picture form downtown Birmingham and
and a video taken from the same area.
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