2009.07.02
A new type of cloud?
Our local weather is pretty much in a repetitive pattern of inactivity ... nice for outside activities, by and large, with mostly dry days and highs no higher than the mid 80s for the foreseeable future, but not much new to really write about.
So let's take a look at some other topics, starting with efforts to classify a new type of cloud. Here are a couple of different links to that story, which was widely reported last month when I was occupied with some other things, both weather-related and not.
Any thoughts on these clouds? Have you ever seen any like this, or do you have any pics that could be these clouds locally?
ADDED 7/3 5:30 PM: Here is a link to a photo from Blacksburg in November 2006 of clouds that at least suggest the wavy appearance of the possible new cloud classification. These were sent by Taylor White, a recent Virginia Tech graduate who was aboard for Storm Chase 2008.
RSS feed 
"...the humble cloud is seen as a "wild card" in climate-change prediction, Pretor-Pinney said.
"LeMone agreed that clouds are a "big unknown" in climate change, mostly because climate-change models do not provide a high-enough resolution to determine what clouds' impacts will be on a changing world."
Don't know whether either cloud picture qualifies as a new type; however the above quote from the second link is a huge chink in the global warming 'we're all gonna die' scenario.
Clouds are binary in global climate models (GLM). IIRC...the GLM grid spacing is 250 km (155 sm). Each box on the grid covers ~24K sq. miles It's either cloud-filled or cloud-free. Not very a compelling representation of the atmosphere.
Comment by Sirius the Star Dog — July 3, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Not sure if I'd agree or disagree either way at this point; both sides make good cases (is a new cloud type vs. isn't new). However, I think the turbulence they suspect causes the undulations is just as valid as the turbulence that causes, say, roll clouds. I also think pilots would want to know if they were approaching, or esp. landing or taking off, under those things. I'll be curious to hear how the World Meteorological Organization reacts after studying this. The pics are awesome, though!
Comment by Julie — July 3, 2009 @ 1:35 pm