Is it possible to have wind and clouds in an underground area?

Question

I have to write a report on how A Journey To The Center Of The Earth is scientifically in accurate. I did my research and I couldn't back up my idea how is it impossible to have wind and clouds underground. (remember that scene when they get to that ocean and there is a bad storm) Also, is it possible for that horrible storm to occur?

Answer 1

Although wind occurring in an underground area is rare, it is possible.  In order for that to happen, there would have to be an entrance and exit to the area, creating a draft effect.  As for the clouds, the height of the area from base to the top can cause clouds due to difference in temperature.  While working in the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, slight clouds would often be seen near the roof of the building.  As to the storm in the movie, something had to be created by the film-maker to provide a little excitement in an otherwise dull movie.

Answer 2

The answer is: no.

As you go underground, the temperature increases, anywhere on earth. If we imagine the underground space with two opening (as in Jules Verne's story) then on one side, the warm air will tend to rise but ... it will also on the other side; hence no air movement.

For rain to form, moist warm air must rise and cool down adiabatically with altitude. But in an underground chamber, there will be, just like in your house, warmer air on the top. Because warm air rises. And with no circulation, it will remain such; Warm air above colder air. If the colder air was allowed to radiate into space as it happens on earth on a clear sky night, then fog may appear. But not in an underground chamber with a ceiling.

Rnwallace07, what you say about the Kennedy Space Center is very interesting. But if it happens, it is because the roof of the hangar is at the same temperature as the outside ambient air. I guess the ceiling is not insulated. But in a cavern, or deep underground space, the ceiling will be just as warm as the walls.

If the spread, i.e. the difference between dew point temperature and surface temperature is very small, then cloud ceiling will be very low. I am a pilot and see sometimes a ceiling as low as say, 700 ft. If the same air is in the hangar and the roof is at the outside temperature, fog-like clouds may happen. But I don't see that happening in a cavern at the center of the earth.