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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