The Lens-Shaped Lenticular Clouds

Lenticular clouds also called Altocumulus lenticularis are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form in the troposphere, usually in perpendicular alignment to the wind direction. Lenticular clouds can be separated into ACSL, (Altocumulus Standing Lenticularis) or SCSL (Stratocumulus Standing Lenticular), and CCSL, (Cirrocumulus Standing Lenticular). Due to their shape, they’ve been offered as an explanation for some UFO (Unidentified Flying Object), sightings. As air flows along the surface of the Earth, it comes across obstacles. However, our atmosphere, the envelope of air surrounding of planet, is always in motion. We have a tendency to to think of the motion of our atmosphere as horizontal across the ground, namely wind. Though, air can move vertically as well.

Therefore, these are man-made objects, such as bridges, and buildings, & natural features, like hills, Mountains and valleys. Hence all of them disturb the flow of air into eddies. Moreover, the strength of eddies depends on the size of the object and the speed of the wind. It results in turbulence classified as “mechanical” because it is shaped through the “mechanical disruption of the ambient wind flow”. Where constant moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops to the dew point, moisture in the air may abridge to form lenticular clouds. Thus, as the moist air moves back down into the trough of the wave, the cloud may evaporate back into vapor.

Moreover, under definite conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form nearby the crest of each sequential wave, forming a formation recognized as a "Wave Cloud." The wave systems reason big vertical air movement; adequate that water vapor may condense to create precipitation. The clouds have been mistaken for UFOs or "Visual Cover" for UFOs, mainly the round "flying saucer"-type, since these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and level saucer-like shape; also, as lenticular clouds usually do not form over low-lying or flat terrain, numerous people have never seen one and are not aware clouds with that shape can exist. Bright colors called irisation are sometimes seen along the edge of lenticular clouds.

Thus, these clouds have also been recognized to form in cases where a mountain does not exist, but somewhat as the result of shear winds created by a front. Moreover, pilots of powered aircraft tend to stay away during flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence of the rotor systems that accompany them, but glider pilots actively seek them out. The exact location of the rising air mass is justly easy to envisage from the orientation of the clouds. "Wave lift" of this kind is often very smooth and robust, and enables gliders to soar to extraordinary altitudes and great distances. The present gliding world records for both distances is over 3,000 km; and altitude 50,721 feet was set using such lift. Well, standing lenticular clouds are associated with a phenomenon famous as mountain wave turbulence. Following are few breathtaking shots of one of those mountain weather spectacles, standing lenticular clouds. Source: Charismatic Planet & Wikipedia

Maple (Acer), Nature’s Favorite Tree to Grow

Well, everyone knows what a maple leaf looks like, right? It is the leaf on the Canadian flags as well, the one that lends its shape to maple sugar candies. Well, yes and no? While most maple leaves do have a three-lobed outline, they are vary enormously in size and shape. Therefore, with some the lobes are barely indented with some they are so deeply cut they look like lace. Some even have three separate leaflets the way poison ivy does. Size of the tree also varies a great deal, and you can find a suitable maple whether you want a large shade tree or a small ornamental for a city yard. However, most maples have especially fine fall color and seeds with wings on either side that you can spread apart and stick on the bridge of your nose if you are so inclined. Source: Charismatic Planet

Hence, of the large especially favorite in public is sugar maple, also called rock maple “Acer Saccharum” a fine shade tree that can grow well over 100 feet tall, with a big, round, dense head and leaves that turn shades of red, yellow and orange in fall. Collecting and boiling down the sweet sap to make maple syrup is a lot of work it must be reduced to less than thirties of its original volume but it is a good way to get outdoors at the end of winter. October Glory is a variety of sugar maple with especially good fall color; Newton Sentry is a columnar form.

Red maple are also called “Swamp Maple” is nearly as popular as sugar maple, because its showy red flowers are such a welcome sight amid bare branches in early spring. Like sugar maple, it turns color early in fall, but in this case the leaves are blazing red. It is a bit less sturdy then sugar maple but will tolerate wet sites. Norway maple “A. platanoides” a big round tree, casts a very dense shade and is rather shallow rooted but it grows quickly as maple go, “Erectum” is a columnar variety and “Crimson King” has red leaves all summer. All these are hardy, though Silver maple “A. saccharinum” is often planted because of its grow very fast, its graceful, pendulous branches and its finely cut leaves with silvery undersides, which cast a dappled shade. It is also hardy while Silver maples bas weak, breakable wood, however, and its roots can clog drains and septic systems if the tree is planted near them.

Of the smaller ornamental maples the choicest is Japanese maple “A. planmatum” and its hybrids. The original species, which can grow to 20 feet, has fine, deeply indented green leaves in summer the reddish when they first emerge and turn red in fall. It is hardy to and self-sows freely. Varieties such as “Atropurpureum” and “Sanguineum” are dark red all season. The very slow growing cutleaf, or laceleaf Japanese maple “A. p. dissectum” can grow to 12 feet but is usually much smaller; an exquisite mound of cascading branches is supported by a twisted picturesque trunk, with its lacy leaves often sweeping the ground. Varieties such as “Atropurpureum” and “Burgundy Lace” are red all season. In addition there are variegated varieties and some with leaves so note are fine they look like threads such as “Red Filigree”.

Moreover among smaller maples those also worthy of note are Amur maple “A. ginnala” a tough little tree that grows up to 20 feet and has small, three pointed leaves, fragrant white flowers in early spring, bright red fall foliage and showy red winged fruits. It is even hardy and often it has several trunks but can b etrained to one if desired. Paperback maple “A. griseum” grows about 25 feet tall, has leaves with three distinct leaflets and is valued most for its bark, which peels off in papery strips to expose a rust colored layer beneath. It is hardy as well.

Well, if you want to grow maples, then in general are easy to grow and have few pests or disease. Most of them especially red maples need soil with adequate moisture. Most need plenty of sun, and if they are to develop a good fall color, they need a climate that is cool in winter. Cutleaf Japanese maple should be given a rich moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and some light shade in hot climates. It should be staked until the trunk is well developed, and twiggy growth may be removed from enter as needed though it is usually allowed assume its own eccentric forms. Therefore, Maples in general are pruned in late summer or fall when the sap is no longer running. Most need only occasional attention to remove dead, awkward or crossing limbs, but silver maples should be pruned to eliminate narrow, weak crotches and water sprouts. Paper-bark maples should have lower branches removed to display the trunk.

The World's Most Beautiful Tree Tunnels Revealed

Well, when true nature branches out it is nothing short of magical. Whether they’re formed unintentionally, naturally or with a slight help, “Mother Nature's” finest tree tunnels in Europe, America and Asia are a sight to see. Because from intertwined beech branches in Northern Ireland to blossom covered streets in Japan reveals the most beautiful tunnels around, from maples to oaks. In spite of its busy city reputation, as most of peoples knows, that Tokyo is home to some of the most attractive parks, public spaces and botanical gardens in Asia. The world’s most beautiful tunnel trees are, romantic and amazing made of beautiful flowering trees, the longest-living organisms on Earth, beautify and defend the environment by providing color, shelter, and shade. Source: Charismaticplanet.com

The “Ginkgo Tree tunnel”, which separates a sea of tiny city apartments and crowded public places, comes into its full glory in autumn when its leaves turn deep yellow. Moreover, this peculiar tree tunnel can be tracked down in the “Meiji-Jingu Gaien Park”, which was named after the Emperor who passed away in 1912.

Ginkgo Tree tunnel

This specific tree tunnel marks the entrance to Milton Abbot in Devon. The beautiful straight path is surrounded by countless beeches that intertwine in an arch over the roadway and lead into the small village which was named after forming part of the original endowment of Tavistock Abbey.

Milton Abbot in Devon

Leading up to the Botany Bay Plantation on Edisto Island, South Carolina, are myriads of leaning oak trees making up one of the world's most attractive tree tunnels. The striking “Botany Bay Plantation” Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area is a state preserve, which was well formed in the 1930's from the merger of the Colonial-era Sea Cloud Plantation and Bleak Hall Plantation. The dirt track road leading up to the site is branded one of the most beautiful with its draping branches and stunning colors.

Botany Bay Plantation in Edisto Island, South Carolina

This Kawazu cherry tree tunnel in Shizuoka, Japan, is made up of a row of cherry blossom trees that are lit up at night. Sightseers and locals travel from all over to walk underneath the tunnel which is classed as one of the world’s most eye-catching walkways.

Kawazu Cherry Tree in Shizuoka, Japan

The early morning shot in Central Park, New York City, shows off one of the park's several tree tunnels that have made it so well-known nowadays. The urban park in middle-upper Manhattan is one of the most visited in the whole United States as well as one of the most-used filming locations. Tree tunnels formed to make a spectacular walkway for passers-by when Central Park opened in 1857.

Central Park in Manhattan, New York

Dark Hedges are one of Ireland’s most snapped natural phenomena. The striking road is made up of an avenue of spectacular winding beech trees along a narrow country road. The majestic beautifully trees block out sunlight in certain parts due to the thickness of the branches. At night, lots of people find the route haunting, and strolling hand-in-hand with somebody special, these young lovers must be in one of the world's most romantic spots.

The Dark Hedges in Antrim, Northern Ireland

Ukraine has this unbelievable, ethereal Tunnel of Love, actually made up of an avenue of trees. There’s one thing however; it's also a train line. And when it's choo-choo time, the tunnel does get rather noisy. 

Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

Maple Trees in Ludington, Michigan, The amber leaves on this tunnel make it one of United States and one of the world’s most gorgeous walkways. The incredibly beautiful thick maple trees hang over Conrad Road and meet where they create beautiful arch for cars and bikes to pass under.

Maple Trees in Ludington, Michigan

The tunnel of Maple Trees in Lake Kawaguchiko, Japan, is located a few kilometers away from Mount Fuji entices traveler because of its stunning location Just a few kilometers further inland from Fujikawaguchiko town, this tree tunnel, made up of an archway of soft colored maple trees, sits above the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko.

Tunnel of Maple Trees, Lake Kawaguchiko, Japan

In South London lies a mixture of pink and white blossom trees interlinking over the entrance to Battersea graveyard. The stunning thick trees stand firmly in place to form the archway that brings a bit of beauty to this lively city.

Battersea blossom in London

Cherry Blossom Tunnel is located in Bonn, Germany which is home to more than 300,000 people. The city is well-known for its loveliness and cherry blossoms, which come into bloom for about 20 days each summer as well as its narrow streets. Every summer the city's Heerstraße road becomes a place of beauty when the blossom trees join up and form one of the world's favorite tree tunnel walkways.

Cherry Blossom Tunnel, Germany

Wisteria Flower Tunnel, Kawachi Fuji Garden, Kitakyushu, in Japan is a private garden in the city of Kitakyushu having more than one million populations, some 6 hours from Tokyo. While the garden is beautiful by itself, it’s best well-known for its tunnel of wisteria flowers, when the stunning flowers are in full bloom around April and May, the experience of walking through the tunnel is not unlike walking through a fairy tale.

Wisteria Flower Tunnel, Kawachi Fuji Garden, Kitakyushu, Japan

Jacarandas Walk, Pretoria, in  is often called “Jacaranda City”, thanks to the miles upon miles of jacaranda trees that line its roads, parks and avenues. The dazzling purple flowers of the tree are a sight to behold, particularly in early November when peak summer in the southern hemisphere flowers is in full bloom. There’re jacaranda lined avenues all over the city, though the prettiest is arguably along Old Church Street on the corner of Eastwood and Stanza Bopape. Here, the trees are so close together that creates a tunnel-like canopy of purple flowers. This is home to more than 150 Wisteria flowering plants. At one glance you must be inspire and entice to take a walk through. The best time to visit is April to mid-May, when the flowers are at full bloom. You can walk beneath the lovely hanging multi-colored blossoms for a truly surreal experience.

Jacarandas Walk, Pretoria, South Africa

The Path up to the Halnaker Windmill in Sussex, England is a striking path will take you up to the Halnaker Windmill in Sussex. Without any doubt it is so surreal to looks like it could practically be the setting for a Grimm Brothers’ story.

Autumn Tree Tunnel, Smuggler’s Notch State Park, Stowe, Vermont, USA actually the  dense forests of the park were once used by bootleggers and smugglers during the prohibition era, but as the time passes it has converted into most widespread attractions in the park remains a road covered in trees that form a tunnel-like canopy. The tunnel is at its most beautiful in autumn, when the leaves turn a deep shade of brown, yellow and red. So, when you go further down the road, you will reach a waterfall known locally as “hippie hole.

Autumn Tree Tunnel, Smuggler’s Notch State Park, Stowe, Vermont, USA

Laburnum Tunnel, Bodnant Garden, Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy, in Wales actually a Bodnant Garden is a historic garden spread more than 80 acres surrounding Bodnant. Eventually built in the late 19th century, the house and the attached gardens are now a National Trust property known for its verdant, formal gardens, ponds, and rose gardens. It’s most prevalent feature, remains the artificial tunnel of spectacular yellow-gold laburnum flowers. When in bloom, the flowers totally cover the arch, making for a magnificent sight.

Laburnum Tunnel, Bodnant Garden