RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Formation and Spread of Aircraft-Induced Holes in Clouds
JF Science
JO Science
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP 77
OP 81
DO 10.1126/science.1202851
VO 333
IS 6038
A1 Heymsfield, Andrew J.
A1 Thompson, Gregory
A1 Morrison, Hugh
A1 Bansemer, Aaron
A1 Rasmussen, Roy M.
A1 Minnis, Patrick
A1 Wang, Zhien
A1 Zhang, Damao
YR 2011
UL http://science.sciencemag.org/content/333/6038/77.abstract
AB Hole-punch and canal clouds have been observed for more than 50 years, but the mechanisms of formation, development, duration, and thus the extent of their effect have largely been ignored. The holes have been associated with inadvertent seeding of clouds with ice particles generated by aircraft, produced through spontaneous freezing of cloud droplets in air cooled as it flows around aircraft propeller tips or over jet aircraft wings. Model simulations indicate that the growth of the ice particles can induce vertical motions with a duration of 1 hour or more, a process that expands the holes and canals in clouds. Global effects are minimal, but regionally near major airports, additional precipitation can be induced.