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| #2912 "October Sunset Convection" 11x14 inches oils on canvas January 8th, 2025 |
Autumn sunsets tend to be special. The air masses can still be unstable. Backlit convection at sunset is always striking.
A warm conveyor belt typical of a mid-latitude weather system filled the western sky. A thin layer of cirrostratus was being chopped up into gravity wave bands. A patch of higher-level cirrocumulus was apparent only in the upper left. Thicker layers of more opaque altostratus approached on the lower horizon. The convection on the line to the left could have even been a thunderstorm but I forget those details. The sun was barely above the tree line at Wicks Pick Lodge.
The long wavelengths of these gravity waves suggest that these are swells within the atmospheric ocean originating from strong winds closer to the approaching weather system. A wind wave pattern was embedded along some sections of these swell crests suggesting that Singleton was on the anticyclonic portion of the deformation zone flow downstream from the col. The cloud patterns were drifting southeastward. The accompanying graphic labels the interesting elements in this sunset sky. Don't be concerned - there is no exam.
Langmuir streaks in the surface of Singleton revealed that the wind must have been brisk southwesterly during the day. Those breezes rapidly weakened as the sun set and the radiational inversion established itself. This southwesterly "cold conveyor belt" indicates that the approaching weather system was either faster or weaker than average or both... I forget if that forecast was verified.
There are always lots of environmental clues that reveal the weather if we are tuned in and have time to watch, listen and learn. Every sky presents another opportunity to study nature.
The porch light had been left on at Dale's place. A late-season fisherman also headed slowly back to the dock at Singleton Campground. The quiet of sunset is another favourite time of the day.
For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go straight to the Collections. Here is the new Wet Paint 2024 Collection. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2025.
Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,
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