The Stratospheric Aerosol Layer

The Stratospheric Aerosol Layer
Author: R.C. Whitten
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 163
Release: 2013-03-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642817572

It is now a quarter of a century since Junge and his coworkers recovered the first sample from the sulfate aerosol layer in the stratosphere. Since that time vast strides have been made in determining its physical properties and morphology. These investigations have been performed with instruments on board aircraft and balloon platforms as in the early days, with ground-based lidar (optical radar), and most recently with satellite-borne optical instruments. It will become evident in Chapter 2 that in situ measurements by aircI'aft and ,balloon sensors complement rather than duplicate the remote techniques (lidar and satellite). Hence future programs will probably continue to utilize direct as well as indirect experimental techniques. Concurrently, with the observations of the gross properties of the aerosol layer, la~oratory and theoretical studies have sought to elucidate the chemical and micro physical processes which influence the formation and growth of the aerosol par ticles. The laboratory investigations have included studies of gas phase chemistry, and particle nucleation and growth mechanisms. Theoretical studies have revolved mainly around a series of models developed by atmospheric scientists. The earliest of these models was constructed by Junge and his colleagues. With the advent of third- and fourth-generation computers, the capacity to solve the quite complex continuity equations whi~h govern particle formation, growth, and removal has ad vanced to the point where most of the particle properties can be simulated with reasonable confidence.

Stratospheric Aerosol and Its Main Deriver Over Equatorial Africa

Stratospheric Aerosol and Its Main Deriver Over Equatorial Africa
Author: Milkessa Gebeyehu
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
Total Pages: 140
Release: 2012-06
Genre:
ISBN: 9783659129353

Atmospheric aerosols are liquid or solid particulate matters suspended in the air. They are highly populated in the lower atmosphere. However, the mid-atmosphere aerosols play significant roles in atmospheric science. Their distribution decreases with altitude. The sources of these particulate matters could be from anthropogenic or natural activities at the surface or within the atmosphere. The presence of these particulate matters in the Earth's atmosphere has significant impact (both positively and negatively) either directly or indirectly on human activities in particular and life on Earth in general. It is believed that carbonyl sulfide and sulfur dioxide are the main precursor gases for the formation of stratospheric aerosol layer. Atmospheric OCS is known to be the highest among the background aerosol sources due to its long atmospheric life time. The transport of this gas from troposphere to the stratosphere occurs mainly through the tropical tropopause. In the stratosphere, its photo-oxidation produces sulfur dioxide which latter converted to the background aerosol of hydrated sulfuric acid. This is the cause of acid rain which results in deforestation and climate change.

Climate Intervention

Climate Intervention
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2015-06-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309314852

The growing problem of changing environmental conditions caused by climate destabilization is well recognized as one of the defining issues of our time. The root problem is greenhouse gas emissions, and the fundamental solution is curbing those emissions. Climate geoengineering has often been considered to be a "last-ditch" response to climate change, to be used only if climate change damage should produce extreme hardship. Although the likelihood of eventually needing to resort to these efforts grows with every year of inaction on emissions control, there is a lack of information on these ways of potentially intervening in the climate system. As one of a two-book report, this volume of Climate Intervention discusses albedo modification - changing the fraction of incoming solar radiation that reaches the surface. This approach would deliberately modify the energy budget of Earth to produce a cooling designed to compensate for some of the effects of warming associated with greenhouse gas increases. The prospect of large-scale albedo modification raises political and governance issues at national and global levels, as well as ethical concerns. Climate Intervention: Reflecting Sunlight to Cool Earth discusses some of the social, political, and legal issues surrounding these proposed techniques. It is far easier to modify Earth's albedo than to determine whether it should be done or what the consequences might be of such an action. One serious concern is that such an action could be unilaterally undertaken by a small nation or smaller entity for its own benefit without international sanction and regardless of international consequences. Transparency in discussing this subject is critical. In the spirit of that transparency, Climate Intervention: Reflecting Sunlight to Cool Earth was based on peer-reviewed literature and the judgments of the authoring committee; no new research was done as part of this study and all data and information used are from entirely open sources. By helping to bring light to this topic area, this book will help leaders to be far more knowledgeable about the consequences of albedo modification approaches before they face a decision whether or not to use them.

Resilience

Resilience
Author: Zinta Zommers
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 378
Release: 2018-05-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 012811892X

In Resilience: The Science of Adaptation to Climate Change leading experts analyze and question ongoing adaptation interventions. Contributions span different disciplinary perspectives, from law to engineering, and cover different regions from Africa to the Pacific. Chapters assess the need for adaptation, highlighting climate change impacts such as sea level rise, increases in temperature, changing hydrological variability, and threats to food security. The book then discusses the state of global legislation and means of tracking progress. It reviews ways to build resilience in a range of contexts— from the Arctic, to small island states, to urban areas, across food and energy systems. Critical tools for adaptation planning are highlighted - from social capital and ethics, to decision support systems, to innovative finance and risk transfer mechanisms. Controversies related to geoengineering and migration are also discussed. This book is an indispensable resource for scientists, practitioners, and policy makers working in climate change adaptation, sustainable development, ecosystem management, and urban planning. Provides a summary of tools and methods used in adaptation including recent innovations Includes chapters from a diverse range of authors from academic institutions, humanitarian organizations, and the United Nations Evaluates adaptation options, highlighting gaps in knowledge where further research or new tools are needed