Is this a 'Horseshoe-vortice' ?

[Michiel de Boer]

Hi!

On a normal evening (yesterday) I saw a cool cloud formation which created very strong sunbeams. When I was bicycling to the top of a hill to view it better. I saw slight clouds on the other side so also hoped for a cloud shadow there. When I reached the top the cloud was still there, and yes! There where 'Antisolar rays'. The sun didn't enlighten the clouds when it went below them, but those rays kept visible very long.

Anyway.... during this 'skywatch' I not only noticed a very heavy dirty smell of Dutch dung, but also a weird trail, like a super micro tornado. Those images are below here. Is this a 'Horseshoe-vortice' ? (thanks weather-photography.com for the names..)

[Michael Ellestad]

Michiel,

Yes that is a vortex a very nice one. Horseshoe vorticies are formed when a cumulus cloud with a rotating updraft dissapates and the only thing that will be left of the cloud is a small U-shaped vortex.

Best,
Michael

[Michiel de Boer]

Thanks, oh vortex, not vortice hehe *o.T.*