Photos: rare fallstreak cloud spotted in skies over southern France
A passing plane is thought to have caused the spectacular phenomena
The rare phenomena delighted onlookers
InfOccitanie / Facebook / Cerfia / X
A rare but spectacular cloud formation was seen over southern France this weekend.
A ‘virga’ cloud formation – a circular area of brilliant clear sky among a thin layer of clouds – was spotted over Gard, Vaucluse, Ardèche,and Bouches-du-Rhône on Saturday (September 27).
In English this is sometimes known as a fallstreak hole, cavum, or cloud canal.
The phenomena was all the more impressive because skies were otherwise largely overcast, making the phenomena stand out more. It is thought to have been caused by a low-passing aircraft.
“If a turbulent phenomenon disturbs this layer of clouds, the water will transform into large ice crystals,” said Météo France forecaster Sylvain Galliau to France3.
“Small filaments of ice fall into the centre of the cloud. The crystals evaporate; they are sublimated [ie. pass directly from solid to vapour] before reaching the ground,” he added.
It is not known for certain what caused the phenomena, although a plane is likely to have been the cause.
Photos were shared on social media including the cloud formation dramatically passing above the landscape and medieval architecture of Avignon.
Did you see the cloud formation in the sky over the weekend? Please share any photos via feedback@connexionfrance.com
