Karman Vortices
Detailed Description
Each of these swirling clouds is a result of a meteorological phenomenon known as a Karman vortex. These vortices appeared over Alexander Selkirk Island in the southern Pacific Ocean. Rising precipitously from the surrounding waters, the island's highest point is nearly a mile (1.6 km) above sea level. As wind-driven clouds encounter this obstacle, they flow around it to form these large, spinning eddies.
- Collection: Earth as Art 1
- Source: Landsat 7
- Scale: 4.3 miles (6.9km)
- Download: JPG TIF
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.