 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Shelf Cloud and Squall Line Approaching Syracuse, Italy

   December 08, 2021

    Squall-line

   Photographer:  Barbara Pindo

   Summary Author:  Barbara Pindo;  Cadan Cummings

   The photo above shows a  shelf cloud that formed on the leading side
   of a  squall line, also known as a Groppo line, near the city of
   Syracuse, Italy. This distinct cloud formation was visible over the
   city in the afternoon on May 10, 2021 and appeared as a long, narrow
    band of strong storms that continually regenerated. Squall-line
   formations can at times be 60 to over 180 miles (100 to 300 km) long
   and often precede  severe weather. These events develop on the
   separation line between warm, humid air present on the ground, and
   colder, heavier air in the atmosphere that is being pushed by a
    cold front. The cold, dry air raises the warm, humid air forming a
   series of  cumulonimbus clouds parallel to the advancing  front.
   At the transition of a Groppo Line, there are several weather
   conditions that often occur together or in succession. Initially very
   strong wind-- just as what was experienced in Syracuse-- develops and
   precedes heavy rain or mixed rain/ hail and an ensuing area of lighter
   rain from  stratiform clouds. Prior to this event, I had not seen
   this phenomenon before but luckily I was able to capture it in this
   panoramic photo.

   Photo details: Canon Eos 1100D; Focal length 18.00 mm; Exposure 1/200
   sec; f/3.5; ISO-200. Five photos combined into a single panoramic
   photo.
     * Syracuse, Sicily, Italy Coordinates: 37.0755, 15.2866

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Cloud Links

     *  Atmospheric Optics
     *  The Cloud Appreciation Society
     *  Cloud Atlas
     *  Color and Light in Nature

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