Pet cutsreappears regularly in the same place. Recently captured by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite, this particular cloud is intriguing for its formation and constancy. First observed in 1896, it continues to fascinate residents of the Otago region on New Zealand’s South Island.
A unique lenticular cloud in the Otago mountains
The Pet cuts
is a lenticular cloud, a type of cloud formed in the troposphere that is distinguished by its elongated and curved shape. Lenticular clouds are often associated with mountains, where ascending winds create specific conditions for their formation. In the case of Taieri Pet, the Rock and Pillar Range blocks strong winds from the northwestwhich causes the air to rise, forming a wave. When the moist air reaches the top of this wave, it cools and condenses, creating this small cloud that appears stationary above the mountains.
Otago residents, particularly those living near Middlemarch, nicknamed this cloud their pet
because it seems faithful to this specific location. For generations, the Taieri Pet has been a recurring feature of the landscape, giving it almost legendary status. New Zealand MetService meteorologist John Law says the phenomenon is a familiar sight in the region.with an appearance, seen from the ground, similar to that of a giant stack of pancakes
floating in the sky.
Powerful winds in the upper atmosphere
Even though the Taieri Pet appears motionless, it is actually an indicator of very strong winds aloft. The constant flow of air passing through the cloud continually fuels its formation, giving it apparent stability. This deceptive feature is a sign of strong winds in the upper atmosphere, responsible for the cloud’s smooth, perfectly sculpted shape. Stable atmospheric conditions and air movement create a structure that, although dynamic, gives the illusion of stillness.
A risk for aviation
Even though it is very cute, the Taieri Pet poses risks to airplanes. Lenticular clouds are known to generate strong turbulence, due to the intense winds that circulate around them. Although it is appreciated by photographers and observers on the ground, this type of cloud is feared by pilots.
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