NASA | Ship Tracks Reveal Pollution's Effects on Clouds

The video explores how clouds, visible from space, cover over half of the Earth and help keep it cool by reflecting sunlight. However, human activities, particularly pollution, can alter cloud brightness. The MODIS satellite shows that pollution from ships creates brighter clouds by increasing cloud droplet numbers. While this might suggest a potential cooling effect, scientists believe it won't significantly counteract global warming due to the heat-trapping nature of greenhouse gases present in the same pollution.

What role do clouds play in regulating Earth's temperature?

• They reflect sunlight, helping to cool the planet.

• They absorb sunlight, warming the planet.

• They have no effect on Earth's temperature.

• They trap heat, increasing global temperatures.

How does the MODIS instrument help us understand cloud changes?

• It shows how human activities can alter cloud brightness.

• It detects the color of clouds.

• It predicts weather patterns.

• It measures the temperature of clouds.

What happens to clouds when ships travel across the ocean?

• Clouds become darker and larger.

• Clouds disappear completely.

• Brighter cloud trails form due to ship emissions.

• Clouds remain unchanged.

In what way can ships create new clouds on clear days?

• By increasing the temperature of the surrounding air.

• By emitting particles that water vapor condenses around.

• By dispersing existing clouds.

• By releasing water vapor directly into the air.

Why is it unlikely that pollution-induced brighter clouds will significantly slow global warming?

• Because they only form over oceans.

• Because they do not reflect enough sunlight.

• Because they are temporary and disappear quickly.

• Because the heat-trapping effect of greenhouse gases is stronger.