Newfoundland Fogbanks Fogbow

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Newfoundland Fogbanks Fogbow: A Spectacular Phenomenon in the Titanic Waters

Have you ever heard of a fogbow? Similar to rainbows, fogbows are fascinating optical phenomena that occur when sunlight interacts with tiny water droplets suspended in fog. In this article, we will explore the captivating fogbow captured by Juerg Alean off the coast of Newfoundland, in what is often referred to as "Titanic waters." Let's dive into the details and uncover the beauty and science behind this stunning atmospheric display.

Juerg Alean's captivating image showcases a complete circle fogbow, similar to rainbows, with a center directly opposite the sun. As the ship entered a fogbank, the faint shadow of Juerg Alean can be seen marking the center of the fogbow on the ship's wake. The fogbow in this photograph appears diffuse, exhibiting delicate straw and red colors on its outer rim. Interestingly, there are no supernumeraries present in this fogbow, indicating that the fog droplets responsible for its formation had a wide range of diameters.

The absence of supernumeraries suggests that the fog droplets in this fogbow had evolved over time through condensational growth, merging, and splitting. This phenomenon is commonly observed in what is known as "old fog," where the droplet population has had sufficient time to develop and change. The intricate interplay between these evolving droplets and sunlight creates the mesmerizing colors and circular shape that we see in fogbows.

To fully appreciate the beauty and science behind fogbows, it is essential to understand how they differ from rainbows. While rainbows form when sunlight is refracted, reflected, and dispersed by raindrops, fogbows are formed by the interaction of sunlight with much smaller water droplets suspended in fog. The smaller droplets in fog create a different optical effect, resulting in a diffuse appearance and softer colors compared to rainbows.

When sunlight passes through these tiny fog droplets, it undergoes a process called diffraction. This causes the light to spread out and bend, creating a circular shape. The bending of light within the droplets also leads to the separation of colors, similar to what we observe in rainbows. However, due to the smaller droplet size in fog, the colors in fogbows are often less vibrant and less pronounced than those in rainbows.

The fogbow captured by Juerg Alean off the coast of Newfoundland serves as a reminder of the unique atmospheric conditions in this region. Known as "Titanic waters," this area is notorious for its foggy weather, reminiscent of the conditions encountered by the ill-fated RMS Titanic. The presence of fogbanks and fogbows in this area adds an ethereal and mystical touch to the already dramatic landscape.

In conclusion, the Newfoundland fogbanks fogbow is a breathtaking optical phenomenon that showcases the beauty and complexity of nature. With its complete circular shape, delicate colors, and absence of supernumeraries, this fogbow captured by Juerg Alean is a testament to the evolution of fog droplets over time. Understanding the science behind fogbows and appreciating their unique characteristics allows us to marvel at the wonders of our atmosphere and the interplay between light and water droplets. So, keep your eyes peeled for these captivating displays when you find yourself in foggy conditions, and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of nature's own light show.

Fogbow south east of Newfoundland imaged by Juerg Alean (site, more voyage images, Stromboli online) as the ship entered a fogbank in "Titanic waters". Image ©Juerg Alean, shown with permission.

Juerg Alean's image demonstrates that fogbows, like rainbows, are complete circles and centered on a point directly opposite the sun, his shadow marking the centre is weakly visible on the ship's wake. This fogbow is diffuse with faint straw and red colours on the outer rim. There are no supernumeraries suggesting that the fog droplets had a wide range of diameters, a characteristic of "old fog" where the droplet population has had time to evolve by condensational growth, merging and splitting.

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