Fire on the Mountain

This image is part of the artist's specially selected Premium Collection of distinctive images. The setting sun casts a golden glow on the swirling,... more

by Loree Johnson

Title

Fire on the Mountain

Artist

Loree Johnson

Medium

Photograph

Description

This image is part of the artist's specially selected Premium Collection of distinctive images. The setting sun casts a golden glow on the swirling, dramatic, lenticular clouds hovering over Mount Shasta, California as a storm approaches. Earlier that afternoon, the clouds were very hazy and had no particular shape. Then, the wind picked up and the clouds began to form into a circular shape over the peak of the mountain. Mt. Shasta seems to attract clouds like a magnet and hold on to them. Lenticular clouds often form over tall peaks and have been cited as the explanation of many UFO sightings. These clouds have been mistaken for UFO's (or cover for UFO's) because they have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape. They are caused by the swirling winds and lower temperatures associated with high mountain peaks, but have also been observed to form in cases where a mountain does not exist, but rather as the result of shear winds created by a front. There are those who believe the mountain possesses mystical powers. Maybe it does.....

Uploaded

November 29th, 2012