Mammatus Clouds Resemble Soft Bubble Wrap Across the Sky

Clouds captivate us because, amidst our focus on the ground, we often overlook them. Yet, when we glance upward, we realize we’ve been wandering beneath a fleeting work of art.

The sky showcases an astonishing variety of cloud formations: some resemble flying saucers, ocean waves, or elongated, fluffy strands. Among the most peculiar is the mammatus cloud, characterized by clustered, pouch-like structures dangling beneath a larger cloud. These pouches can range from subtle, bubble-wrap-like textures to more pronounced, cow-udder-like shapes. The term "mammatus" originates from the Latin word "mamma," meaning "breast" or "udder."

Understanding Mammatus Cloud Formations

Clouds take shape based on the meteorological conditions they emerge from, and their fleeting nature is due to the constant activity in the sky. Mammatus clouds, in particular, develop under highly turbulent weather. They typically appear beneath storm clouds, and while the exact reason for their formation remains uncertain, scientists have proposed several plausible theories.

A Product of Sinking Air

In contrast to most clouds that form from rising air, mammatus clouds result from descending cold air. They frequently appear alongside large cumulonimbus clouds, which are highly dynamic. One theory suggests that the chaotic conditions beneath storm clouds cause patches of dry and moist air to heat unevenly, creating the distinctive lumpy appearance on the cloud's underside.

The Sublimation Theory

A widely accepted theory suggests that mammatus formations are primarily linked to sublimation, a process where ice transitions directly into water vapor, bypassing the liquid phase. According to this theory, ice crystals within the cloud sublimate into vapor, cooling the surrounding air. This cooler, denser air then descends, forming the characteristic pouch-like structures at the cloud's base.

Other Cloud Types That Are Associated With Mammatus Clouds

While mammatus clouds are often seen as indicators of extreme weather, such as tornadoes and intense thunderstorms, this isn't always true. Although they frequently appear beneath cumulonimbus anvils—massive bodies of unstable air—they can sometimes develop in other cloud types, including stratocumulus, altostratus, and altocumulus. Additionally, mammatus clouds can form beneath volcanic ash clouds.