Home > Science > Space Exploration > Satellite Imagery
Clouds disrupted by islands
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Clouds disrupted by islands
Clouds disrupted by islands, true-colour satellite image. North is at top. The islands (brown) of the Canary Islands (lower right) and Madeira (upper centre) are disrupting clouds (white) as they move across the Atlantic Ocean (blue). The clouds are being blown by a wind (from the north), which is disrupted by the presence of the islands, leading to the clear skies around and beyond the islands. The solitary island of Madeira has a minor effect, but the Canary Islands together create a wake that is like that of a single large island. Image taken on 28 April 2002 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor aboard NASAs Terra satellite
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6373045
© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2002 Air Flow April Atlantic Climate Cloud Cloud Types Clouds Cloudy Disrupting Disruption Disturbance From Space Island Islands Madeira Meteorology Moderate Resolution Imaging Modis Optical Satellite Spectroradiometer Street Streets Terra True Colour Turbulence Turbulent Visible Vortex Vortices Weather Wind Winds Canaries Canary Disturbing Shear Von Karman Wake Wakes
EDITORS COMMENTS
This true-color satellite image captures the mesmerizing sight of clouds being disrupted by islands in the vast Atlantic Ocean. The photograph, taken on 28 April 2002 by NASA's Terra satellite, showcases the intricate dance between nature's elements - wind, water, and land. In this image, we witness how the presence of both the Canary Islands and Madeira affect cloud patterns as they traverse across the ocean. The brown hues represent the islands themselves while the white clouds contrast against them. As a northward wind blows over these archipelagos, it encounters resistance from their elevated terrain. This disruption creates clear skies around and beyond the islands. While Madeira has a minor impact on cloud movement, it is when all seven Canary Islands come together that they generate a wake reminiscent of a single large island. This phenomenon is known as von Karman vortices in cloud formation. The photo not only highlights geographical features but also provides valuable insights into meteorology and climate dynamics. It serves as a reminder of how interconnected our planet's systems are and how even seemingly small disturbances can have significant effects on weather patterns. As we gaze at this remarkable snapshot from space, we are reminded of Earth's beauty and complexity – an ever-changing tapestry woven by windswept clouds above restless oceans interrupted by resilient islands.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
