Phenomena of Clouds

Abstract

THE letter from Prof, Smyth (vol. xxiv. p. 212) recalls to my mind a phenomenon I witnessed several years ago in Arran. I was staying at Strathwhillan, on the north side of Brodick Bay, and looking northward had a full view of Goatfell and Maoldoon. The latter resembles an immense mound heaped up against the eastern side of the former. Snow had recently fallen and coated both. Then a south-easterly wind, coming up and across the firth, caused a cloud to be formed at a considerable elevation above the hills, having its under surface outlined in correct correspondence with the outlining of the subjacent mountains. This contour the cloud retained in seeming fixity for several hours. I attributed its continued existence to the effects of unequal radiation between the cold snow-covered hills and the warmer moisture-laden current above. Whether my surmise was correct, and whether the "central fixity" over Madeira can be referred to the same cause, I leave to the consideration of those more scientifically informed than I.