Roger,

I think Shou would have to show that these cloud formations are an anomaly connected to the Sumatra subduction. If Shou had a set of seasonal photos over 10 years of the same area, seasonally adjucated, and could show that they are an anomaly would be the place to start.

Which raises a further research issue. Does the Episodic Tremor and Slip on the Cascadia subduction change the seasonally normal cloud formations in that area?
If subduction zones do change atmospheric cloud conditions, this might be the place to really look. We know the timing of the ETS, and the NOAA has records. Maybe Vidale knows somebody who could persue it. In a scientific manner, ofcourse.

Glen