NASA's Terra satellite captured a photo of cavum clouds, also known as hole-punch clouds or fallstreak holes, over the Gulf of Mexico. These unusual cloud formations are created when airplanes pass through mid-level altocumulus clouds, leaving behind large circular gaps. Researchers have been studying this phenomenon since the 1940s, and recent studies have provided explanations for their formation. The Terra satellite's data helps researchers map the impact of human activity and natural disasters on Earth's atmosphere and climate change.
NASA's Terra satellite captured a photo of ring-shaped cavum clouds over the Gulf of Mexico, a phenomenon caused by airplanes passing through mid-level altocumulus clouds. These clouds, also known as hole-punch clouds or fallstreak holes, have been mistaken for unusual phenomena due to their distinct appearance. Researchers have found that any type of plane can produce cavum clouds, with over 1,000 flights per day from Miami International Airport contributing to their formation near the west coast of Florida. The Terra satellite's data is used to study changes in Earth's atmosphere and the impact of human activity and natural disasters.
