Pyroconvection and Climate Change
Abstract
In March 1998, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) launched a satellite instrument named Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM) III. Just a few months after launch, POAM III started detecting mysterious clouds in the stratosphere in the sub-Arctic northern hemisphere. It was obvious that an unusual phenomenon was being recorded. We now know that these mysterious aerosol-cloud layers were smoke from forest fires that erupted like a volcano into what is now called pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb for short). This initial discovery has been followed by more research and discovery by NRL's Remote Sensing and Marine Meteorology Divisions. In this article we summarize highlights of our pyroCb research and its importance. Until the discovery of pyroCb, the common wisdom was that there was only one natural terrestrial force that could inject material into the lower stratosphere- a volcanic eruption. Volcanic eruptions are well known and their impact on climate can be significant. The tropopause is still considered by many to be an effective lid for any force except a strong volcano. With the recent work at NRL we now have characterized the unique and formidable power of the pyroCb in action and even found a nuclear winter/volcano type link between stratospheric smoke layers and cooling near the Earth's surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA518228
Entities
People
- J. Turk
- M. Fromm
- Scott T. Miller
- Ted Lee
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory