MSGID: 1:317/3 6472454c
PID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08
TID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08
May 27, 2023 - Popcorn Clouds in the Congo Basin

   Popcorn clouds
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   Clouds covered the Congo Basin on May 24, 2023, when the Moderate
   Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board NASA’s Terra
   satellite captured this stunning true-color image. In some areas, the
   clouds look puffy—almost like popcorn scattered across the scene. Note,
   however, that clouds are completely absent over rivers and lakes in the
   region, including the Congo River which curves across the center of the
   scene.

   The Congo River Basin, located along the equator in central Africa,
   holds a mosaic of dense rain forest, savanna, swamps, and even flooded
   forests, all filled with lush vegetation and considerable moisture.
   This area is also known as one of the cloudiest places on Earth.

   Cloud formation in the Congo River Basin is in large part driven by
   water vapor released from trees and other plants throughout the day.
   Plants convert light, carbon dioxide, and water into sugar and oxygen
   through photosynthesis. As the plants inhale carbon dioxide, water
   vapor escapes, a process called transpiration. On dry, sunny days, the
   plants respond to the additional light by increasing photosynthesis,
   which releases water vapor into the atmosphere. As the warm, moist air
   above the plant canopy rises, it eventually begins to cool clouds form
   overhead.

   In addition, the land itself gives off heat and moisture on warm days.
   This process, called evaporation, also creates clouds. The most common
   clouds formed in the Congo Basin are low-altitude cumulus clouds, which
   earned the nickname “popcorn” clouds due to their puffy appearance.

   Bodies of water, on the other hand, do not change temperature as
   rapidly as forest and land. Water remains cooler even during full Sun
   exposure, typically not heating up enough to significantly warm the air
   above it. Because of the cooler temperatures, the air doesn’t rise, and
   clouds don’t form.

   Image Facts
   Satellite:  Terra
   Date Acquired: 5/24/2023
   Resolutions:  1km (495.7 KB),  500m (1.6 MB),  250m (1.8 MB)
   Bands Used: 1,4,3
   Image Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC



https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/individual.php?db_date=2023-05-27
 
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