Cirrus distribution mapped with HIRDLS

Near Indonesia (longitudes around 120 E), cirrus of kilometer scale vertical thickness (shown here) occurs more frequently away from the equator than over the equator.

This cirrus produces positive heating in the upper troposphere, while thicker cirrus over the equator has a cooling effect.

Ongoing research using this data will determine how this heating enhances vertical transport in the upper troposphere.

Steven Massie et al., NCAR, publication in preparation

10.04.2010