Before the total solar eclipse, the cumulus clouds have already disappeared from the sky. The phenomenon had intrigued experts for years, but it was finally revealed
The solar eclipse causes changes in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as temporary cooling of some regions. To better understand the consequences of this phenomenon, NASA even launched rockets looking for clues. Now, scientists in the Netherlands have discovered that one type of cloud simply disappears from the sky: surface cumulus clouds.
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When the Moon passes in front of the Sun during an eclipse, most of the clouds remain in the atmosphere. Otherwise no one would ever complain about this on the internet again I did not see the phenomenon due to the cloudy weather.
In the case of surface cumulus clouds, they disappear even before the total solar eclipse. According to a study published in the journal, 15% or more of the Sun is enough to be obscured by the Moon for dissipation to begin. Earth and Environment Communications.
Type of clouds affected
Cumulus clouds are known to have sharp outlines and form at low altitudes, a few hundred meters high. In the case of shallow cumulus clouds, the base is just above the planetary boundary layer (CLP) and the top does not exceed the trade wind inversion layer. They are found starting from 1 km above sea level.
By themselves, these clouds do not cause heavy precipitation. However, they are part of the life cycle of a storm. The phenomenon is an “evolution” from shallow cumulus to deep cumulus and the subsequent occurrence of a storm when other factors are aligned.
Effect of solar eclipse on clouds
In the study developed by researchers at the Technical University of Delft, it was possible to observe, from images collected during several solar eclipsesthat these clouds simply disappear when solar radiation begins to decrease.
However, the reason has only been explained through computer simulations. Using the model revealed that when sunlight is blocked, ground temperatures decrease, reducing updrafts of warm air leaving the surface and entering the atmosphere.
These warm air currents are critical in the formation of cumulus clouds, carrying water vapor that condenses into droplets as they rise to colder altitudes.
As the ground cools, these updrafts cease and the clouds are unable to maintain themselves. When the Sun returns and the surface is heated again, new cumulus clouds form.
Risk of solar geoengineering
If cloud formation is influenced by covering a small part of the Sun (about 15%), the risks of solar geoengineering: technology that seeks to control the temperature on Earth by blocking the sun’s rays – could be even more difficult to control and potentially more dangerous than previously thought.
Source: Earth and Environment Communications AND Delft University of Technology
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Source: Terra
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