Correlation between Satellite-Derived Aerosol Characteristics and Oceanic Dimethylsulfide (DMS)
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, the earth's climate has fluctuated between warming and cooling cycles. A warming cycle has been observed in the early 1900's. The rising global temperature has been attributed to CO2 release from the burning of fossil fuels. The absorption of IR energy emitted from the earth, or greenhouse effect , brought concern that continued warming would melt polar ice caps and permanently change global climate. However, beginning in the mid-1940's, atmospheric cooling was observed. A possible contribution to the cooling trend is an increase in the numbers of relatively small aerosol particles. These particles are efficient scatters of solar radiation. An increase in the number of scattering events causes a higher albedo, thereby creating a cooler planet. McCormick and Ludwig (1967) have presented arguments to show this relationship. Approximately forty years later, in the early 1980's, warming of the earth's climate again has been observed. Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA206179
Entities
People
- Richard A. Shema
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School