Lenticular

All images copyright (c) by Greg Fisch

As air moves over large obstacles, it tends to form standing waves on the downwind side of the obstacle.  These waves are similar to those that you see on the downstream side of rocks in a stream or river.  If conditions are right, the wave can extend downwind a hundred miles or more and can rise to 40,000 ft.  Under the crest of each of these waves, lenticular clouds can form and remain in the same position for most of the day.

This lenticular was just outside of Rosamond, CA.  along highway 14.  We were on our way to Red Rock Canyon, where later that afternoon, I took several more exposures of this same cloud, but from the other side.

A deep red filter was used to darked the sky values.  I tried a polarizer, but the effect was not as dramatic.

Camera: Cambo SCII

Lens: Schneider Super Angulon 90mm f8

 Film: Tri-X 4x5

Development: Normal+1