Carbon dioxide emissions do not just pollute and heat the environment atmosphere, but even reduce its size. This is revealed by a recent investigation and Greenhouse gases have contributed significantly to the shrinkage of the upper atmosphere.. This was a possibility that has been suggested for decades, but has now been scientifically proven for the first time.
The researchers focused their research on two layers, collectively known as MLT: the mesosphere, which begins at an altitude of about 60 kilometers; and the lower thermosphere, which begins around 90 kilometers.
Data from the TIMED satellite, NASA’s observatory collecting data on the upper atmosphere, turned out to be a real goldmine, providing pressure and temperature information for the two MLT layers over a period of nearly 20 years. From 2002 to 2021.
These data showed radiative cooling in the upper atmosphere caused by carbon dioxide. This cooling causes the stratosphere to contract and does the same to the mesosphere and thermosphere.
Using satellite data, Mlynczak and his team were able to conclude: the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere shrank in total by about 1,333 meters. About 342 meters of this figure is the result of cooling caused by CO2 released by humans.
Considering that the thermosphere spans several hundred kilometers, this 342 meters may not seem like much. However, a paper published in September by physicist Ingrid Cnossen of the British Antarctic Survey in England suggests that thermospheric cooling 33% reduction in atmospheric friction by 2070.
Implications for satellites and space junk
The consequences of this fact can reach objects in orbit around the Earth. According to research, it could be increasing the lifetime of space debrisLike older satellites and other elements of Earth orbit, this means they can stay in place longer.
In turn, the buildup of space debris causes Issues and risks for new satellites in Earth orbit and the International Space Station, and for space observations in general.
“One of the results is satellites will stay active longer“That’s great because people want their satellites to stay operational,” he said.
“But also the remains will stay longer and possibly increasing the likelihood that satellites and other valuable space objects will need to adjust their orbits to avoid collisions.”
Reference work: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2022JD036767
……..
Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]