Nature & Environment

Breathtaking and rare 'Levanter' cloud formation filmed over Gibraltar

By T.K. Randall
September 11, 2022 ·  3 comments

Gibraltar's unique landscape provided ideal conditions for the phenomenon. Image Credit: Twitter / Met Office Gibraltar The unusual meteorological phenomenon was recorded over Gibraltar - a British overseas territory situated on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula - back on August 24th.

The time-lapse footage (viewable below), shows billowing clouds flowing like water over the peak of the 426-meter-high Rock of Gibraltar - as though a giant smoke machine was being aimed at it.

According to the Met Office, this particular cloud formation is known as "Levanter" in the local area, but is perhaps better known as a "banner cloud" in general terms.Such clouds are created when strong winds blow moist air against a hill or mountain, forcing the air upwards towards the peak, after which it cools, causing the water vapor to condense into clouds.

In this particular case, the wind can be seen blowing the newly formed clouds away.

The resulting phenomenon is spectacular to say the least.

The London Gatwick @easyJet flight taxiing and taking off from @RAF_Gib this morning with the backdrop of some impressive #Levanter cloud over the Rock of #Gibraltar

The #levanter cloud just keeps getting better today! #LevanterSpam pic.twitter.com/WYyOPktSij

— Met Office Gibraltar (@MetOGibraltar) August 24, 2022

Source: Live Science | Comments (3)

Tags: Cloud, Gibraltar