A mesmerising video from Aizawl in Mizoram is going viral on Twitter for showing a 'cloud waterfall'. We explain the scientific reason behind this rare phenomenon.
A video highlighting the scenic beauty of Aizawl city in Mizoram is going viral on the internet. In the 30-second clip, clouds are seen floating down a mountainous region like a fluffy waterfall. This phenomenon is scientifically named ‘Orographic clouds’, popularly known as ‘waterfall clouds’.
Here’s what happens:
When stable air encounters a mountain, it is lifted upwards. As it rises, the air cools down and the water vapour condenses, making it visible as a cloud. When these clouds reach the mountain top, they become heavier than the surrounding environment and descend from the mountain, much like a waterfall.
Take a look at this mesmerising phenomenon at Aizawl:
After seeing this, netizens shared videos of cloud waterfalls they have witnessed in other states.
Here’s one from Andhra Pradesh:
Cloud cover at Tarasa beach, Vizag pic.twitter.com/w0w4ofhA9U
— Samajika Sanyasi (@samajikasanyasi) July 5, 2021
Another, from Tamil Nadu:
Vellayangiri, TN, India 🇮🇳 👇🤩 pic.twitter.com/0FYMsvm8gn
— I’m_Tejas (@TejaswarP) July 4, 2021
