Cloud patterns in which clouds are organised in bands are not an unusual sight.
The clouds in this photograph have a somewhat "fluffy" look, so they are most
likely produced by convection organised in rolls. Internal waves in the
atmosphere produce similar cloud patterns. The air rises
with the crest of the wave, cooling in the process, which produces
condensation (cloud formation). It sinks in the troughs, causing warming
and evaporation of the cloud moisture. The wave crests then
become visible as cloud bands. Such clouds tend to be lense-shaped, indicating
the air flow of the wave.
©
1996 VESGO, reproduced by permission
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