Sunglint

Sometimes the sunglint region of satellite images reveals interesting ocean or atmospheric features that the sensor does not typically record.

They form when buoyancy pushes air up, and gravity pulls it back down.

On its descent into the low-point of the wave (the trough), the air touches the surface of the ocean, roughening the water.

The long, vertical dark lines show where the troughs of gravity waves have roughened the surface.

Beneath the crests, the water is calm and reflects light directly back towards the sensor.