Giant waves and rare “wave-shaped clouds” have been spotted in the night sky of Victoria Harbor, captivating netizens. The clouds resemble the famous Japanese ukiyo-e painting “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” with its massive waves seemingly hanging in the skyline.
The phenomenon of these “wave-shaped clouds” has caught the attention of the Observatory, which recently posted an article on its Facebook page explaining the formation of these unique clouds. Known as “wave-shaped clouds” or “Fluctus,” they occur when upper and lower strands of air move in the same direction but at different speeds and temperatures. The slower-moving air cuts into the faster-moving air, creating a twisting, wavy shape. These clouds are usually temporary and rarely seen.
The Observatory also shared a video capturing the formation and dissipation process of the “wave-shaped cloud” taken by their weather camera in 2022. Netizens who have witnessed this phenomenon expressed their awe and described it as beautiful and eye-opening. Some even playfully referred to the clouds as “Yunlang,” a term associated with food.
The website of the Observatory provides further details on wave-shaped clouds, explaining that they typically appear as curly or broken waves at the top of the cloud, resembling the Kelvin-Helmholtz waves. These clouds form at the junction of two air currents moving in the same direction but at different speeds and temperatures. The slower-moving air cuts into the faster-moving air, distorting its shape into a wavy pattern. Wave clouds are commonly found in cirrus, altocumulus, stratocumulus, or stratus clouds, occasionally appearing in cumulus clouds.
In addition to the wave-shaped clouds, Hong Kong has recently witnessed other astronomical and weather-related phenomena. A netizen captured a stunning sight known as the “Jesus Light” or “God’s Ladder,” where powerful rays of light shoot out in the early morning. The flowing clouds cascading down thousands of miles resemble waterfalls, creating a mesmerizing scene. The city has also experienced the enchanting “Hanging Sun in Mong Kok,” where the setting sun sinks between tall buildings, comparable to the famous “Suspending Sun in Manhattan” in the United States.
The beauty of Hong Kong’s astronomical events and weather-related phenomena continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.
How do wave-shaped clouds differ from other types of cloud formations in terms of their appearance and formation process
Wave clouds, they are formed by stable atmospheric conditions that create a pattern of undulating waves in the sky. These formations are typically caused by a combination of wind, temperature, and humidity conditions that result in a wave-like pattern in the clouds.
In the case of the Victoria Harbor sightings, the spectacular cloud formations resembled the iconic painting, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” This resemblance has further captivated netizens, who have been sharing photos and videos of the extraordinary sight on social media.
The Observatory’s explanation sheds light on the scientific process behind these awe-inspiring cloud formations. According to their Facebook post, wave-shaped clouds are a type of stratocumulus cloud, which form due to the uplift of warm air over colder air masses. This creates a horizontal wave-like pattern, giving the clouds their distinctive appearance.
The stable atmospheric conditions necessary for wave clouds to form are relatively rare, making these sightings an extraordinary occurrence. The fact that they have appeared over Victoria Harbor has only added to the fascination surrounding this phenomenon.
As netizens continue to marvel at the beauty of these wave-shaped clouds, it is a reminder of the wonders of nature and the breathtaking sights that can be discovered in the most unexpected places.
