Is there a name for this particular type of cloud?

Question

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c64/str8ruckus/clouds.jpg

Apologies for the crap quality; I took this just outside of San Francisco, through the window of my truck. The clouds coming over the mountains were ridiculously sexy-looking, so I was wondering if anyone knew what kind (if there's even a term for them) of clouds these are, exactly.

Thankyas.

Hmmm, maybe I'm looking more for the weather effect than the cloud type...?

Oh, the clouds coming over the mountains are what I'm talkin abooot.

MV - they seemed to be more "falling down" the mountains, so probably the latter there, yes

I probably should have said 'leaking' in place of "falling"

Answer 1

The cloud over the mountain is, as some have said before, a stratus type of cloud. It comes from an inversion; the air above is warmer than under and the air is not rising. It can also be called orographic fog because it is most probably caused by the orographic (mountain) effect of lifting the air by the terrain. Moist air from above the water is taken by the wind, rise over the mountain and condense.
But it may have formed on the top of the mountains and is now 'leaking down' the valley as cold air always sinks.
The only way to know is to be there and register the temperature and wind. What do you think it was: The air rose on the mountain of felt down from it? If it was no wind at all from your point of observation, then it is most probably the latter.

Answer 2

The ones in the sky are Cirrus clouds.

Just realized you said the ones coming over the mountain. LOL. Those are stratus.

Cool pic BTW!

Edit: Well, for the weather effect, it’s basically just a form of fog (fog is just cloud – usually stratus because it is flat – that comes in contact with the ground). A couple of different things could have caused it, but it was most likely caused by warm, moist air being pushed over the cold mountains by wind.

Answer 3

The upper clouds are called Cirrus fibratus. and are made of ice. Cirrus clouds are the upper most clouds and come in a multitude of shapes and are made of ice. Fibratus simply means looking like it's made from fibers. The mountain (fog) clouds are Stratus clouds. Meaning it comes in one big , long layer like layers in a cake.

Answer 4

They are called stratus. These low clouds are very common along the California coast, especially in summer. The higher clouds above them are cirrus.

Answer 5

Pretty awesome pic bro....The clouds coming over the mountain absolutely OOZE sex appeal..(I checked)
and looks like you already got your correct answer so I will just remark on the picture
♥FA

Answer 6

This is a Swirling Tsunami Stratus Claudius Maximus Imbergelius! You didn't know ya That!

Answer 7

the ones in the background are fair weather cumulous clouds, the ones in the front are stratus clouds.. sweet looking picture!

Answer 8

you would have to take your idea to an artist and see if they can draw that up and shade/color the tattoo so that it looks like that not every idea in your head will look like you hope when it's on your skin. the artist would have to shade the words in to the clouds but they, more than likely, won't be "hidden"

Answer 9

Those would be the Grumpy Bear Clouds.
They are very rare.
Nice pic just crop out the thumb or whatever that is.

Answer 10

stunning picture !
I love clouds also

ohhh never been in this section before
may have a wander now
sorry I didnt know the answer though