Vortex Street and Glory off Guadalupe Island, Mexico

The MODIS on the Aqua satellite acquired this interesting image on May 31, 2006, showing Guadalupe Island, which is off the coast of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Turbulence, caused by the wind passing over the island, can produce pronounced eddies that swirl the clouds into a pattern called a vortex 'street'. The swirls extend south from the island, which is visible through the break in the clouds.

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Jeff Schmaltz

Published June 3, 2006
Data acquired May 31, 2006

Source:

Aqua > MODIS

Collection:

MODIS Image of the Day