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Cloud tops white?

sirpsycho · 2006-09-01 11:48:49

Anyone tell me why the cloud tops appear really white in the big storms? is it because they are really high up and are somehow reflecting more sunlight then the other clouds? see pic for example

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01-09-2006 12:48pm

#1

sirpsycho

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Anyone tell me why the cloud tops appear really white in the big storms? is it because they are really high up and are somehow reflecting more sunlight then the other clouds? see pic for example

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#2 01-09-2006 1:56pm
Snowbie

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Exactly.
Cumulonimbus clouds can reach as high as 10 miles into the atmosphere espeicially around the equator where the stratosphere is at its highest from sea level.They anvil or spead out when it reaches the stratosphere and reflec the sunlight appering white as they are dense and full of moisture.Further north you go the stratosphere lowers towards sea level.

Prime example of this is Hurricane Katrina last year or any other hurricane that form in low latitudes(tropics)are a mass of cumulonimbus which make an impressive sight when viewing from a satelite.Very deep white and fierce looking.

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