Many of my meteorology friends have posted this fantastic photo of Kelvin-Helmholtz waves over Breckenridge CO yesterday. These clouds often form on windy days (faster wind on top of the wave versus the bottom…wind shear), when there’s a difference in densities of the air, for example, during a temperature inversion. They’re often good indicators of atmospheric instability and the presence of turbulence for aircraft.
I’ve seen then several times, although none as beautifully lit as this example. They can occur anywhere, not just in the mountains. They usually only last a few minutes, so if you want to take a picture, don’t wait! A perfect illustration that the air is a fluid just like water.
