Rainy Day: Black Clouds and Light

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    Cloud Light Reflection
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appearance of clouds on rainy days, specifically why they appear black or grey compared to their usual white appearance in clearer conditions. Participants explore the interplay of light scattering and absorption in clouds, considering both theoretical and observational perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the lack of light contributes to clouds appearing grey or black.
  • Another participant asserts that all clouds are white, noting that thicker clouds absorb more light, which may make them appear darker.
  • A similar claim is reiterated about clouds being white, with a question raised about whether thicker clouds scatter more light.
  • It is proposed that the perception of clouds can differ based on perspective, with clouds appearing bright white when viewed from above due to scattering and reflection.
  • A participant mentions that water does not absorb much light, but that increased cloud density and thickness lead to greater scattering, which reduces the light transmitted through the clouds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons behind the color of clouds, particularly regarding the roles of light absorption and scattering. There is no consensus on the mechanisms at play, and multiple competing explanations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about light behavior and cloud composition are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the interplay between scattering and absorption in determining cloud color.

shihab-kol
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During a rainy day the clouds appear black but not so normally (in good climatic conditions)
I think its something to do with light so I posted this query .
If its not, sorry.
 
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No need to say sorry for a good question !
I'm not an expert, but I think that indeed the lack of light makes clouds look grey or even black.
Clouds are very fine sprays of minute water droplets that scatter light like crazy. With enough light they scatter a lot of light back to observers.
 
All clouds are white(again, black is not a color), but thicker clouds absorb more light, making them darker.
 
russ_watters said:
All clouds are white(again, black is not a color), but thicker clouds absorb more light, making them darker.

Isn't it that thicker clouds scatter more light?
 
pixel said:
Isn't it that thicker clouds scatter more light?
It's probably some of both. Looking down at clouds from above, they are bright white from scatter/reflection. Looking up from below, the light you see must have been transmitted through.
 
Water doesn't absorb much light. But scattering increases with cloud density and thickness, reducing the amount of light that makes it through.
 

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