Night-Shining Clouds could be a Sign of Climate Change

Fifty miles above Earth's surface, silvery-blue clouds are present. These clouds have been increasing recently in possible relation to increase in carbon dioxide and methane emissions from human activity on Earth. Because the clouds are increasing in brightness, scientists are concerned with the well-being of the mesosphere, a small portion of the atmosphere. The clouds are said to be made up on tiny ice crystals, and present in the coldest region of the Earth's atmosphere. The significance of the ice crystals is that greenhouse gases like CO2 that warm Earth's lower atmosphere also cool the mesosphere, possibly enhancing conditions for ice crystal formation. CO2 emissions are linked to these clouds and could be another possible outlet for studying global warming, and finding answers to difficult questions.

More information about these beautiful, yet disconcerting clouds can be found at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070410131926.htm