I have always noticed when looking at a storm cloud, the sun make the underside appear darker. Why?
2007-03-26 10:43:52 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Ok this is a good question. Let me give it shot. For the sun to see the underside of a storm cloud it must be at a very low elevation in which case most of the blue light will be scattered out by Rayleigh scattering before the longer wavelengths reach the bottom of the cloud. These longer wavelengths will be affected by Mie scattering of the water droplets of the cloud base which means these wavelenghts will experience forward scattering will scatters most of the radiance in the direction of the cloud base. This results in very little reflection from the base of the cloud and so it appears darker.
2007-03-26 10:55:04 · answer #1 · answered by 1ofSelby's 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a mix of top and H20(g) concentration. quite huge storms with hail will filter out the solar plenty that it even seems eco-friendly. additionally, there is an optical result. Storms circulate from W-->E in our hemisphere, and as quickly as the clouds bypass, they might block the solar (making them seem darker) or, if the solar is to the W, the assessment between the darkish cloud base and the recent bright and clean sky makes the tall typhoon clouds seem darker.
2016-12-15 09:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by kulpa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The moisture content in the cloud.
2007-03-26 10:51:28 · answer #3 · answered by curiositycat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the sun is actually behind the cloud, so it looks backlit.
2007-03-26 12:39:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because its laden with moisture and dust particles
2007-03-26 10:52:17 · answer #5 · answered by larryclay2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋