BMKG: Lens-shaped Cloud Phenomena Unrelated to Earthquakes
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Laila Afifa
Rabu, 17 Juli 2019 17:43 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Mataram - Mataram Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) head Agus Rianto said the phenomenon of lens-shaped clouds that topped Mount Rinjani, Lombok, has no relation to signs of recent earthquakes that struck West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province.
“That’s a natural phenomenon of lenticular clouds, not related to [earthquakes]. It’s only a rumor. The cloud is harmful to flights, but it’s not signs of quakes,” Agus asserted.
Lenticular clouds are stationary clouds that resemble giant plate or lens. It is caused by air movement and is often found near hills or mountains. The clouds are deadly for planes as it may cause strong turbulence if planes entering the waves or even flying near it.
A local of Mataram, Rosyidin, said the phenomenon was first witnessed at around 7 a.m. or when the sun rose and ended at 9:30 a.m. He explained the natural event had often occurred, yet that was not as round and huge as the current one.
He added that even though it is a common event, many locals connected the clouds in the peak of Mount Rinjani to recent quakes and lunar eclipse that happened in the early hours of Wednesday at 4 a.m. in the province.
ANTARA
