Satellite image captures Lanzarote’s ‘umbrella effect’

A satellite photo has captured the “umbrella effect” that frequently causes fine, sunny weather on southern areas of Lanzarote and the island of Fuerteventura.

The image, taken by the Sentinel 2 satellite belonging to the European Space Agency, shows how clouds that are brought to the islands by prevailing northern alisio winds collide with the cliffs of Famara, dispersing to the east and west and leaving clear skies over the islands to the south.

The phenomenon can often be witnessed on the Famara cliffs, as clouds billow upwards as they hit the cliffs. This also brings moisture to the cliffside, a factor which has caused it to be one of the most diverse ecosystems on the Canaries.