Lenticular Clouds Over Mt. Rainier, Washington State
In the image, we can see lenticular clouds appearing over Mt. Rainier, located in Washington State. These types of clouds only develop above mountains. They are typically connected to waves in the atmosphere brought about by air moving quickly, being forced against a barrier, for instance, a mountain. What this does is cause a gravity wave downstream of the obstructing item – like when you throw a small stone into water and ripples appear following where the pebble landed.
Lenticular clouds form when there is enough moisture in the atmosphere, most commonly over large mountain ranges. The crest of the waves is where these clouds develop and dissipate as air rises and falls around them. Because of this, lenticular clouds often appear stationary to those looking at them from below.