Why are Storm Clouds Affect Atmospheric Chemistry?

Anvil-shaped thunderstorm cloud is not something you want to see when flying. But a group of Scientists United States would deploy cloud-finding mission by deploying two aircraft DC-8 and Gulfstream V. Experiments Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry was conducted to investigate how large the effect of thunder storm clouds on atmospheric chemical composition.

This is a NASA DC-8 on which approximately 100 researchers were aboard in pursuit of the perfect setup for severe thunderstorms. (Picture from: http://adayinthelifeofageek.wordpress.com/)

To investigate, the researchers had to fly directly into the cloud cumulonimbus. After doing some flight training and other preparations, the two DC-8 aircraft and the Gulfstream V were lifted on 18 and May 19, 2012. To record all necessary data, the team set up 27 special instruments that will take a sample when the plane entered the storm clouds. In flight, the aircraft in an L-shaped patterns at different heights around the cell thunderstorm clouds.

A visible satellite shot of a massive line of severe thunderstorms in the Midwest United States. (Picture from: http://adayinthelifeofageek.wordpress.com/)

On May 18, 2012 flight, the plane flew over the area of ​​northeast Colorado and southwest Nebraska. The next day, the second aircraft to the west and southwest Oklahoma City. Cloud tops are shaped base with a height of 13.700 meters.

An actual picture taken from the DC-8 showing the formation of the cumulonimbus clouds that make up a thunderstorm. It clearly depicts the anvil, overshooting tops breaking through the tropopause, as well as the clear updraft which when it is strong enough can be a major factor in hail production. (Picture from: http://adayinthelifeofageek.wordpress.com/)

DC-8 mission manager Frank Cutler had time to capture the image of anvil clouds from the plane. Clouds form the basis for forging this metal, are formed when cold air masses and dry air mass pushed into the moist and warm. Cold air is heavier work like a plow atmosphere and warm air pushed up into the clouds of thunderstorms.

High winds can make the top of the cloud becomes flat as the foundation and the bottom surface is generally very dark cloud. Such clouds can result in very bad weather, including hail and tornadoes.

Scientists suspect that the storm updraft occurs when air moves up to bring the chemicals that produce ozone, an important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. "We're also trying to take environmental samples updraft to learn what is really happening chemically," says Cutler. "The mission is also studying lightning generated by a thunder storm." *** [LIVESCIENCE | TJANDRA | KORAN TEMPO 3893]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.