Tuesday 17 March 2009

ABC Wednesday - I


I is for Inversion.
Above the clouds on Black Combe, a sturdy round hill of 1970 feet on the outlying south west corner of the English Lake District overlooking the Irish Sea.

Here comes the science bit - a temperature inversion occurs when instead of the air being warmer near the Earth's surface a warmer air mass moves over it. Normally occurring in winter these photographs were taken in early February a couple of years ago.

I think it is unusual being over the sea rather than land however all I really know is whenever and wherever it happens it is quite magical.
Looking out over the Irish Sea and Duddon Estuary

Now it has almost disappeared.
The last time I experienced one was more dramatic as it was in the middle of a mountain range so you could see miles of clouds with just the peaks of the hills showing through. Rather like the following clip of 'Paragliding Above An Inversion' however my feet were firmly on the ground. Looks like fun



To Indulge in more I go to ABC Wednesday

6 comments:

Rinkly Rimes said...

Picture 4 is masterly!

Tumblewords: said...

Fascinating photos! Inversions occur here often and last for quite some time - I've mostly seen them from the underside...;) Enjoyed your post!

photowannabe said...

Beautiful photos. We had a lot of "inversion" where Iused to live. Have to admit I don't miss it at all even if it does make good photo ops.

Bradley Hsi said...

Incredible, love the photos and enjoyed the film.

Jay said...

I think this is my favourite so far! I love the photos, and that video is incredible. I particularly love the way the cloud flows like water, downward into lower ground.

Thank you - that was beautiful!

Celeste said...

Beautiful photos, looks like the sea is steaming! Great 'I' post, thanks for sharing.