American climatologists from Indiana University and other universities examined the possibilities of geoengineering methods in combating global warming. They discovered whether it was possible to slow the melting of Antarctic ice by spraying special reflective aerosols into the atmosphere. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres (JRGA).
The study examined a method called geoengineering, in which large numbers of particles are released into the air, creating an effect similar to a volcanic eruption. The man-made method involves releasing such substances using aircraft. These elements concentrate in clouds and strengthen their reflective effects, allowing more of the solar energy reaching Earth to be directed back into space.
Scientists performed computer simulations of 11 different scenarios for stratospheric aerosol emissions. One set of cases covered various latitudes and the time period from 2035 to 2070. The results showed that such a method could indeed slow the loss of Antarctic ice and reduce the risk of catastrophic sea level rise.
But the simulation also revealed that saturation of the atmosphere with reflective particles accelerates the melting of polar ice by shifting prevailing winds southward. At the same time, atmospheric flows will accelerate the flow of warm water onto Antarctica’s ice shelves.
Some of the risks associated with the use of stratospheric aerosols were associated with changes in regional precipitation patterns and a sharp warming of the situation in Antarctica after the atomization of climate substances ceased.
The study’s authors added that science still knows little about the implications of managing solar radiation to bring such projects to life.
Previous scientists warned About the irreversible melting of ice in West Antarctica.