Most of us learn at school that warm air rises and cool air sinks. This has always appeared to be a fundamental principle of science. However, a study from the University of California, Davis found that there are circumstances in which cool air rises. Researchers discovered that in tropical atmospheres, cold air rises because of the lightness of water vapour. Apparently, in warmer and more humid climates, water particles become more buoyant and can help cooler air rise. Lead researcher Dr Da Yang said: "Water vapour has a buoyancy effect which helps release the heat of the atmosphere to space and reduce the degree of warming. Without this lightness of water vapour, the climate warming would be even worse."
The scientists said humid air is lighter than dry air at the same temperatures and pressure. This is called the vapour buoyancy effect. It allows cooler air containing water droplets to rise, which then forms clouds and thunderstorms. The resulting rain has a cooling effect in tropical areas. Another researcher, Seth Seidel, said more research is needed to find out the effects rising cool air has on climate change, and on its impact on curbing the effects of global warming. Seth Seidel said: "Now that we understand how the lightness of water regulates tropical climate, we plan to study whether global climate models accurately represent this effect." The study is published in the journal "Science Advances".
