The Atmospheric Effects of Soot Resulting From a Nuclear Conflict
Abstract
The effect of a sunlight absorbing, high altitude cloud layer on meteorological conditions near the earth's surface is investigated. If the soot remains in the atmosphere for a few weeks or longer, reduction of sunlight penetrating to the ground can lead to cooling of the lower troposphere. Atmospheric response to the sunlight reduction is simulated using a two- dimensional energy balance model with diffusive energy transport. Severity and duration of the surface cooling are computed as functions of: (1) the time of year at which the soot is injected; (2) the latitudinal distribution of the soot layer; (3) the infrared absorptance of the soot particles,; (4) the rate of soot removal (scavengaging) Global climate models assume that the smoke from urban fires is spread uniformly on synoptic scales within a few days after initial injection, and that microscale and mesocale processes do not break up or remove the soot layer. Global climate models assume that the smoke from urban fires is spread uniformly on synoptic scales within a few days after initial injection, and that microscale and mesocale processes do not break up or remove the soot layer. A heuristic analysis indicates that a horizontally uniform and optically thick soot layer is thermally unstable and will break up into long vertical filaments. This process may significantly change the mean optical properties of the cloud layer and thus alter the synoptic and planetary scale effects of the soot injection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA179973
Entities
People
- Andrew S. Endal