Technical Papers Presented at the Defense Nuclear Agency Global Effects Review - 7-9 April 1987. Volume 1
Abstract
Four years of research on nuclear winter has greatly improved our understanding of this complex phenomenon. Studies have confirmed the possibility of significant temperature decreases and other severe environmental perturbations following a nuclear war. Important uncertainties remain to be resolved: Fuel Inventories: Fuel burdens in rural and urban settings appear to be known to within a factor of about 2. Fuel Impaction: The quantities of fuels affected by nuclear explosions are sensitive to the scenario adopted. Smoke Emission Factor: Burning petroleum, plastics and related materials can emit 5% or more of their mass as soot. Wood, under restricted ventilation, can convert up to 2% to soot. Plume Heights: Simulations and observations indicate initial smoke injection as high as 15 kilometers. Prompt Scavenging: The immediate rainout of the sooty component of smoke emissions is probably less than 50% because of its poor nucleation properties relative to other materials. Mesoscale Dispersion; Acute Climate Change; Long Term Climate Change; and Biological Impacts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA196157
Entities
People
- D. M. Alderson