This article discusses the influence of clouds and rain on aerosol levels over the Southern Ocean, which is known for its lack of human activity. The Southern Ocean experiences short-lived, sporadic showers and is the cloudiest place on Earth. Understanding these processes has been challenging due to the lack of high-quality observations, but new satellite technology is providing unprecedented detail.
. Yes, there are fewer people down there using industrial chemicals and burning fossil fuels. But there are natural sources of fine particles too, such as salt from sea spray or dust whipped up by the wind.
But that's not the full story. The Southern Ocean is also the cloudiest place on Earth. It experiences short-lived, sporadic showers like nowhere else. We wanted to understand the role of clouds and rain in cleaning the air. In particular we were on the lookout for distinctive honeycomb-shaped patterns in the cloud field. Theseare of great interest because they have a major role in regulating the climate.
Whether the honeycomb cells are open or closed also relates to the amount of rainfall they can produce. It's somewhat counter-intuitive, but it turns out the open cells contain more moisture and produce more rain than the fluffy white closed cells filled with cloud. We found the open honeycomb clouds produce six times as much rain as the closed ones.
We also wanted to know what makes cloud fields look the way they do. Our analysis suggests large-scale weather systems control the pattern of the cloud field. As unruly storms track across the Southern Ocean, they produce these open and closed cells.Our research has added a new piece to the puzzle of why the Southern Ocean has the world's cleanest air. Rainfall is the key, especially rain from these clear, open honeycomb cell-type clouds.
Southern Ocean Aerosols Clouds Rain Air Pollution Satellite Technology
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Southern Ocean has the cleanest air on Earth—scientists have just discovered whyThe Southern Ocean is renowned for having the cleanest air on Earth. But the precise reasons why have remained a mystery, until now.
Read more »
Environmental concerns raised by rocket flights over San Diego CountyRegulators want more information about noise, ocean debris from events widely seen across Southern California
Read more »
New modeling shows the intensity of CO₂ uptake is higher in coastal seas than in the open oceanCoastal seas form a complex transition zone between the two largest CO2 sinks in the global carbon cycle: land and ocean. Ocean researchers have now succeeded for the first time in investigating the role of the coastal ocean in a seamless model representation.
Read more »
Global study of coastal seas as carbon dioxide reservoirsCoastal seas form a complex transition zone between the two largest CO2 sinks in the global carbon cycle: land and ocean. Ocean researchers have now succeeded for the first time in investigating the role of the coastal ocean in a seamless model representation.
Read more »
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for parts of Southern CaliforniaForecasters warned some parts of Southern California may experience hail and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
Read more »
Eclipse watchers pour into Carbondale as Southern Illinois welcomes 200,000Eclipse watchers pour into Carbondale as Southern Illinois welcomes 200,000
Read more »