Water Level
|
630.41 ft
updated 3:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Aerosols Strengthen Storm Clouds, According to New Study
Posted: Tue, 14 Jun 2016 12:29 PM - 24,129 Readers
By: Anton Caputo
New research from The University of Texas at Austin shows that aerosols create larger storm clouds capable of producing more rain. BrianKhouryAn abundance of aerosol particles in the atmosphere can increase the
lifespans of large storm clouds by delaying rainfall, making the clouds
grow larger and live longer, and producing more extreme storms when the
rain finally does come, according to new research from The University of
Texas at Austin. The study, published in the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
on June 13, is the first to address the impact that aerosol particles
have on the lifespans of large thunderstorm systems called mesoscale
convective systems. These storms are complex, often violent systems that
can span over several hundred kilometers. The systems are “the primary
source of precipitation over the tropics and mid‐latitudes, and their
lifetime can have a large influence on the variability of rainfall,
especially extreme rainfall that causes flooding,” noted the paper.
The research, led by scientists from The University of Texas at
Austin Jackson School of Geosciences, looked at satellite data from
2,430 convective cloud systems and found that aerosols can help increase
the lifespans of convective cloud systems by as much as three to 24
hours, depending on regional meteorological conditions.
Sudip Chakraborty UT Jackson School of Geosciences
“A cloud particle is basically water and aerosols. It’s like a cell.
The aerosol is the nucleus and the water is the cytoplasm,” said lead
author Sudip Chakraborty, who recently received his Ph.D. from the
Jackson School. “The more aerosols you have, the more cells you get. And
if you have more water, you should get more rain.”
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory also worked on the study.
Aerosols are minute particles in the atmosphere that form the nucleus
within a cloud around which water condenses to form the cloud. Aerosols
can come from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions or desert
dust, or human-made sources such as the burning of wood, coal or oil.
This study is the first to try to look at aerosols’ relative
importance in the lives of storm clouds compared with meteorological
conditions such as relative humidity, available convective energy and
wind shear, said Rong Fu, a professor in the Jackson School Department
of Geological Sciences and co-author of the study. Although
meteorological conditions remain the most important element in the
lifetime of a convective cloud system, Fu said the research shows that
aerosols have a significant impact.
One of the difficulties in conducting this type of study, Fu said, is
that the satellites that give data on cloud aerosol content generally
pass over the same spot on Earth twice a day, which doesn’t provide
enough data on the lifetime of a convective cloud system. Chakraborty
was able to break new ground by turning to data from geostationary
satellites that fly much higher and stay in the same location relative
to the Earth’s surface.
Rong Fu UT Jackson School of Geosciences
“He painstakingly matched the geostationary satellite data, which
gives you some information about the lifecycle of the convective
systems, with data from the polar orbital satellite that passes by twice
a day,” Fu said. “He really raised the bar for how we analyze satellite
data.”
Professor Daniel Rosenfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one
of the world’s leading researchers in the field, said that aerosols’
effects on deep convective clouds and climate have been major questions
for more than a decade. Of particular interest is the role of clouds in
reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation to space,
which can influence the radiative balance in the atmosphere and the
Earth’s temperature. This study, Rosenfeld said, significantly advances
the science.
“This is the first study that shows the full lifecycle of convective
clouds in a statistically meaningful way on a climate scale,” said
Rosenfeld, who did not work on the paper. “This is an important step
towards determining the impact of clouds on radiative forcing. The next
step is to quantify.”
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,387 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,056 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
30,987 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,161 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,104 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,508 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,297 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,569 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,343 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,909 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,504 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,535 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,026 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
27,949 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,794 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,443 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,707 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,298 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,512 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,206 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,569 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,294 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,724 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,234 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,188 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,502 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,238 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,420 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
26,921 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,181 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,275 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,819 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,250 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,495 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,115 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,799 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,860 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,203 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,614 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,526 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,507 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,531 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,107 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,768 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,511 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,227 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,030 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,313 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,654 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,259 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,061 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
23,912 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,190 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,646 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,262 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,472 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,450 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,622 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,538 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,360 Readers |
News Archives 2016 - Select a Month
|