Lenticular clouds are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form in the troposphere, often over mountains. Their unique shape is created when moist air is forced to rise over the mountain and then cools, forming clouds. The air then flows over the mountain and descends on the other side, creating the distinctive lenticular shape.
Here are some other names for lenticular clouds:
* Altocumulus lenticularis - when they are higher in the sky
* Stratocumulus lenticularis - when they are lower in the sky
* Pileus - a cap cloud that forms over a cumulus cloud
They are often mistaken for UFOs due to their unusual appearance.
