Uttarakhand recently witnessed magnificent clouds forming during the monsoon, know the meaning of a shelf cloud
A video of the event is going viral online. Meanwhile, many wondered what this extraordinary formation was. Let us discuss its occurrence.
What is a Shelf Cloud and its meaning explained as formation in Haridwar video goes viral
The gigantic shelf cloud that appeared in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar city is a meteorological occurrence commonly known as a ‘Shelf Cloud’ or ‘Arcus Cloud.’
There is a type of low-lying, horizontal cloud formation known as a shelf cloud, which is characterised by a line of solid clouds that are clearly defined. It’s horizontal rotation enhances its visual impact.
What is Shelf Cloud?
Thunderstorms often form shelf clouds or arcus clouds along their leading edges. There is a type of low-lying, horizontal cloud formation which is characterised by a line of solid clouds that are clearly defined.
It has a wedge-shaped formation that makes it stand out. Usually appearing as broad arcs across the sky, sometimes appearing to rotate horizontally.
Shelf clouds are frequently included in squall lines, which are described as wall clouds, funnel clouds, or rotation.
Despite the possibility of brief spin-up tornadoes, it’s important to keep in mind that the major danger from any squall line is the extremely damaging winds linked to the shelf cloud. These tornadoes are frequently brief and rain-wrapped.
How Are Shelf Clouds Formed?
- A shelf cloud forms when the wind forces a cold and dense air mass into a warmer one.
- A downdraught of cold air occurs when cold air rushes towards the ground before spreading out to create a gust front during a thunderstorm.
- As thunderstorms produce shelf clouds, dry and cold air rushes ahead of them, followed by rain once the shelf cloud passes overhead.
How Do Thunderstorms Happen?
- A thunderstorm is a downpour of rain accompanied by thunder. Since lightning produces thunder, all thunderstorms contain lightning.
- Thunderstorms are created when warm, humid air rises into cold air.
- As the heated air cools, condensation occurs, forming tiny water droplets from water vapour.
- The atmosphere’s cooled air sinks, warms, and then rises once more.
- A convection cell is a circuit of rising and descending air.
- A cloud will develop if this occurs just a little bit. A thunderstorm may develop if this occurs in an environment with lots of air and moisture.
Shared by a friend. Shot today near Haridwar. Spectacular shelf cloud.
#Manali #Storm #Rain #thunderstorm #shelfcloud pic.twitter.com/he9KXg9qse
— Anindya Singh (@Anindya_veyron) July 9, 2023
Stunning #shelfcloud near North Platte, #Nebraska by @marco_equitani. Taken on May 29, 2023 ⚡ Follow @xWxClub for more #stormphotos from around the world#newx #thunderstorms @JimCantore @spann @KeraunosObs @StormHour @ThePhotoHour @StormHourMark @MikeOlbinski pic.twitter.com/doDXBVUnh7
— EXTREMEWEATHER.CLUB (@xWxClub) July 9, 2023
Tormenta llegando a zonas de Harbin, Heilongjiang, #China. (Julio 09, 2023). #Storm #zabedrosky #Shelfcloud pic.twitter.com/lFGZBwLenX
— ⚠️Alerta Clima🌎ᵘᶠᵒ (@deZabedrosky) July 10, 2023