June 08, 2012
“Cloud hole” captured on NASA satellite This visible image of a “cloud hole” was taken near Tasmania in the Southern Pacific Ocean on June 5th. You hear us talk about what happens in the atmosphere with high pressure and low pressure. This is a good visible example of how upper-level atmospheric features affect the lower atmosphere. Turns out, this cloud hole is right under the center of a strong area of high pressure system. High pressure forces air down to the surface blocking cloud formation. In addition, the altocumulus clouds are rotating counter-clockwise around the hole, which in the southern hemisphere indicates high pressure. (SOURCE: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

“Cloud hole” captured on NASA satellite

This visible image of a “cloud hole” was taken near Tasmania in the Southern Pacific Ocean on June 5th.

You hear us talk about what happens in the atmosphere with high pressure and low pressure. This is a good visible example of how upper-level atmospheric features affect the lower atmosphere.

Turns out, this cloud hole is right under the center of a strong area of high pressure system. High pressure forces air down to the surface blocking cloud formation. In addition, the altocumulus clouds are rotating counter-clockwise around the hole, which in the southern hemisphere indicates high pressure.

(SOURCE: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)