ocean clouds

People are sharing photographs of unusual cloud formations, noting warm air meeting cooler clouds and moisture building where ocean warmth meets rainforest. One observer describes watching a giant storm cell vanish overnight without rain. The consensus is that storm season is approaching and the weather feels increasingly unpredictable, prompting sky watchers to document what they see.

Marine organic particles that help seed ocean clouds may be three times more abundant than current climate models assume, according to new research. The finding suggests the ocean contributes more to cloud formation than recognized, which could affect how scientists project climate warming and the role of clouds in reflecting sunlight.

New research indicates that climate models are failing to account for tiny ocean particles that play a role in cloud formation. These microscopic particles, originating at the sea surface, help water vapour condense into droplets, meaning projections of cloud cover and warming may be less accurate than assumed. Scientists say better representation of these ocean-derived particles could improve the reliability of climate predictions.