FYFD

Month: February 2016

  • Pancake Ice in the Sea

    Pancake Ice in the Sea

    Sea ice forms in patterns that depend on local ocean conditions. Pancake ice, like that shown in the above photo from the Antarctic Ross Sea, is formed in rough ocean conditions. Each individual pancake has a raised ridge along its edge, due to wave-induced collisions with other pieces of ice. Over time the smaller pieces of ice will merge together, forming large sheets. Evidence of its turbulent formation will persist, however, in the rough surface of the ice’s underside. For more, check out the National Snow and Ice Data Center. (Image credit: S. Edmonds; via Flow Visualization)

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    Reminder: If you’re at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I’m giving a seminar this afternoon. Not in Illinois? I’ve got other events coming up, too!

  • Featured Video Play Icon

    Wave Clouds

    In this video, Sixty Symbols tackles the physics of wave clouds. When air flows over an obstacle like a mountain, the air can begin to oscillate downstream, forming what is known as a lee wave. As the air bobs up and down, it will cool or warm according to its altitude. At cooler conditions, if the air is moist, it can condense into a cloud at the peak of its oscillation. If you observe this behavior over time, you get what appear to be regularly-spaced stripes of clouds. This is actually a pretty common phenomenon to see, depending on where you live. It’s an example of internal waves in the atmosphere.  (Video credit: Sixty Symbols)

    Do you enjoy FYFD and want to help support it? Then please considering becoming a patron!

    Reminder: If you’re at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I’m giving a seminar tomorrow afternoon. Not in Illinois? I’ve got other events coming up, too!