The three pictures above are just a few snapshots of an unusual cloud formation that rarely occurs. Their name has been derived from their exact appearance. They are called "hole punch clouds". It isn't known exactly what causes this, but there is one main hypothesis. It is believed to be caused by falling ice crystals. The dropping crystals could be triggered by a passing airplane's exhaust. If the air has just the right moisture content and temperature, the falling crystals will absorb water from the air and grow. For this to occur, the water must be supercooled so that all it needs is a surface to freeze on. The moisture lost from the air increases the evaporation rate from the cloud water droplets so they disperse to form the hole. The now more dense ice crystals continue to fall and form the more insignificant wispy cloud-like virga seen inside and just below the hole. These heavier ice crystals from the virga evaporate long before reaching the ground.
If you ever see something like this or have another cloud picture that puzzles you, be sure to send the snapshot to us! -ADAM
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