A uniquely shaped cloud—resembling smoke floating above a mountain—has appeared in the territory of Gibraltar, according to a report by the Washington Post on August 25.
According to a video released by the Gibraltar Meteorological Agency, a Levanter cloud—named after the Levant wind, a type of wind in the western Mediterranean region that blows from the east through Gibraltar—has formed in this territory.
This cloud is a distinctive phenomenon, created by the combination of the Levant wind and the unique topography of Gibraltar.
A Levanter cloud in Gibraltar. (Photo: Gibraltar Meteorological Agency).
Due to the sudden elevation of the mountain slopes in Gibraltar, the humid air at ground level is forced to rise, where lower temperatures cause the air to become saturated with moisture, resulting in the excess water vapor condensing and forming the cloud.
Gibraltar International Airport is located right in front of the area where Levanter clouds form. Therefore, passengers often get to witness this fascinating spectacle. Some even compare the clouds to various animals.
Levanter clouds compared to various animals. (Photo: MeteoGib/Twitter).
According to the Royal Meteorological Society of Great Britain, this type of cloud can form at any time of the year, but it is most common from June to October.
Levanter clouds are a special type of topographic cloud—which can be found in many places around the globe. Clouds formed by a similar mechanism can also be observed at the summit of Mount Everest in the Himalayas and the Matterhorn in the Alps.
