Posted on 12/24/2023 10:46:42 PM PST by DigitalVideoDude
NASA’s MERRA-2 climate model reveals that the Arctic stratosphere has reached a 40-year record low for December, creating a sudden appearance of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) far beyond their usual Arctic confines.
Recent observations have revealed a remarkable surge in polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), often referred to as the most beautiful clouds on Earth due to their aurora-like colors.
This sudden increase is attributed to a 40-year record low in temperatures within the Arctic stratosphere for the month of December, as indicated by NASA’s MERRA-2 climate model.
PSCs form under extremely cold conditions, typically around -85 °C (-121 °F), in the otherwise cloudless stratosphere. The unusual cold snap has caused these clouds, usually confined to the Arctic, to descend all the way to mid-latitudes.
Notable sightings have been reported over Locarno, Switzerland, Torun, Italy, and Lausanne, Switzerland, locations well beyond the normal range of PSCs.
This phenomenon represents a significant deviation from the typical January start of the PSC season. The current extreme cold wave has not only given rise to an early onset of these clouds but also suggests the potential for increased occurrences in the coming weeks.
On December 24, 2023, the Arctic stratosphere is warming but it’s still cold enough for polar stratospheric clouds.
That temp is only valid when there’s 1 atm of CO2 gas partial pressure. When there’s less, the temp is lower.
The stratosphere usually has few clouds because it is dry, water vapor having generally condensed and formed clouds or rain well below, in the troposphere. The Hunga Tonga eruption injected huge quantities of water vapor into the stratosphere last year, which is why clouds are able to form there now.
Chicago photographer captures multi-colored UFO, experts blown away
When the clouds starting making 45 and 90 degree turns at different velocities follow proper U.S. Air Force instructions:
Close you eyes and wait for them to go away!
Does Greta know about this?
I’d expect some climate disruption from 5-7 years of full-out World War II...
But I haven’t seen any references to it.
:-/
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