 |
|
Documenting a paradox: smoke decreases rainfall but ultimately increases its intensity
February 25, 2004Air pollution and smoke suppress rainfall, but cause the remaining rain amounts to fall in greater intensities, with lightning and hail, says a researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The researcher, Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld, was one of a group of scientists that included also participants from Germany, Sweden and Brazil who conducted measurements of smoke and its impact on the development of clouds and precipitation in the Amazon tropical rainforests of Brazil. The results of their research appear in the Feb. 27 issue of the journal Science.
They showed that smoke from these fires delays the release of water from clouds in the form of rain, thus preventing depletion of the water in the clouds as they grow. As these water-laden clouds reach great heights, they produce thunderstorms and hail instead of relatively moderate rain.
The research group, funded by the European Union and headed by Prof. Meinrat O. Andreae from the Max Planck Institute of Atmospheric Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, measured the capability of the smoke particles to produce cloud droplets. Prof. Rosenfeld, of the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University, penetrated the smoky clouds with a research aircraft and measured the way the smoke affected their composition and precipitation-forming processes.
The measurements show that the small and numerous smoke particles provide "nucleation sites" for cloud droplets, the result being that the given amount of cloud water is distributed into a large number of very small drops. These drops are so small that they float with the air and do not coalesce into raindrops, in contrast to the raindrop- forming process that takes place in clouds with larger drops that form in clean air.
This effect of smoke on precipitation suppression has been documented in previous research by Prof. Rosenfeld. The new findings show that when the smoky and water- laden clouds develop to great heights, in excess of 10 kilometers, these large amounts of water are also lofted and converted into ice chunks, which fall as large hailstones on the tropical rainforest. The process of hail forming is also associated with strong cloud electrification, which causes intense thunderstorms. Most of the hailstones melt during their fall, so that they arrive on the surface as spurts of intense rain.
Such impacts of air pollution are not limited to the tropical rainforests. Air pollution in general appears to change substantially the character of precipitation. This man-made climate change is already manifested by changes in the distribution of rainfall and the intensity of storms, not only over the Amazon but also over the rest of the world, says Prof. Rosenfeld, who is continuing his work as a leading researcher in this field.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The research group, funded by the European Union and headed by Prof. Meinrat O. Andreae from the Max Planck Institute of Atmospheric Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, measured the capability of the smoke particles to produce cloud droplets. Prof. Rosenfeld, of the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University, penetrated the smoky clouds with a research aircraft and measured the way the smoke affected their composition and precipitation-forming processes.
The measurements show that the small and numerous smoke particles provide "nucleation sites" for cloud droplets, the result being that the given amount of cloud water is distributed into a large number of very small drops. These drops are so small that they float with the air and do not coalesce into raindrops, in contrast to the raindrop- forming process that takes place in clouds with larger drops that form in clean air.
This effect of smoke on precipitation suppression has been documented in previous research by Prof. Rosenfeld. The new findings show that when the smoky and water- laden clouds develop to great heights, in excess of 10 kilometers, these large amounts of water are also lofted and converted into ice chunks, which fall as large hailstones on the tropical rainforest. The process of hail forming is also associated with strong cloud electrification, which causes intense thunderstorms. Most of the hailstones melt during their fall, so that they arrive on the surface as spurts of intense rain.
Such impacts of air pollution are not limited to the tropical rainforests. Air pollution in general appears to change substantially the character of precipitation. This man-made climate change is already manifested by changes in the distribution of rainfall and the intensity of storms, not only over the Amazon but also over the rest of the world, says Prof. Rosenfeld, who is continuing his work as a leading researcher in this field.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Air Pollution Current Events and Air Pollution News RSSResearch reveals exactly how coughing is triggered by environmental irritants
Scientists have revealed how environmental irritants such as air pollution and cigarette smoke cause people to cough, in research published today in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Exposures to metals and diesel emissions in air linked to respiratory symptoms in children
Exposure shortly after birth to ambient metals from residential heating oil combustion and particles from diesel emissions are associated with respiratory symptoms in young inner city children.
Hidden threat: Elevated pollution levels near regional airports
Scientists are reporting evidence that air pollution - a well-recognized problem at major airports - may pose an important but largely overlooked health concern for people living near smaller regional airports.
Consumption of certain fish during pregnancy associated with poorer cognitive performance
Children who eat fish more than 3 times per week show a worse performance in the general cognitive, executive and perceptual-manipulative areas.
Nitrogen loss threatens desert plant life, study shows
As the climate gets warmer, arid soils lose nitrogen as gas, reports a new Cornell study. That could lead to deserts with even less plant life than they sustain today, say the researchers.
Air pollution increases infants' risk of bronchiolitis
Infants who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution are at increased risk for bronchiolitis, according to a new study.
USC study finds big air pollution impacts on local communities
Heavy traffic corridors in the cities of Long Beach and Riverside are responsible for a significant proportion of preventable childhood asthma, and the true impact of air pollution and ship emissions on the disease has likely been underestimated, according to researchers at the University of Southern California (USC).
Researchers discover links between city walkability and air pollution exposure
A new study compares neighborhoods' walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality.
Shifting the world to 100 percent clean, renewable energy as early as 2030 -- here are the numbers
Most of the technology needed to shift the world from fossil fuel to clean, renewable energy already exists. Implementing that technology requires overcoming obstacles in planning and politics, but doing so could result in a 30 percent decrease in global power demand.
Report examines hidden costs of energy production and use
A new report from the National Research Council examines and, when possible, estimates "hidden" costs of energy production and use -- such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health -- that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them.
More Air Pollution Current Events and Air Pollution News Articles
 |
Fundamentals of Air Pollution, Fourth Edition by Daniel Vallero Dr. Vallero holds a Ph.D. in engineering from Duke University a Masters in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of Kansas a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelors in the Earth Sciences and Psychology from SIU. (Author) Fundamentals of Air Pollution is an important and widely used textbook in the environmental science and engineering community. Written shortly after the passage of the seminal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the third edition was quite timely. Surprisingly, the text has remained relevant for university professors, engineers, scientists, policy makers and students up to recent years. However, in light of the transition in the last five years from predominantly technology-based standards (maximum achievable control technologies or MACTs) to risk-based regulations and air quality standards, the text must be updated significantly. The fourth edition will be updated to include numerous MACTs which were not foreseen during the writing of the third edition, such as secondary lead (Pb)... |
 |
Air Pollution: Its Origin and Control (3rd Edition) by Kenneth Wark (Author), Cecil F. Warner (Author), Wayne T. Davis (Author) A well-respected air pollution text, this book is suitable for a variety of engineers and scientists who wish to gain an introduction to the field of air pollution. Known for its detailed development and application of equations, the text emphasizes an understanding of the relationship between sources and control of air pollution, rather than being a simple "handbook" on the subject. The book presents information on four broad areas of interest in the air pollution field: the effects of pollutants on health and welfare; the laws and regulations that have been passed in efforts to improve air quality; the modeling of atmospheric dispersion of pollutants; the approaches to the control of emissions (from both stationary and mobile sources). The third edition of... |
 |
Air Pollution (True Books: Environment) by Rhonda Lucas Donald (Author) Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers. |
 |
Air Pollution Control (3rd Edition) by C. David Cooper (Author), F. C. Alley (Author) Since the First Edition appeared, Air Pollution Control: A Design Approach has become the leading air pollution control text on the strengths of good writing, comprehensive coverage, an emphasis on design, and excellent real-world examples. The Third Edition continues this tradition of excellence, incorporating new and updated information throughout the text while retaining the topical organization and features that have made it an invaluable learning tool for instructors and students alike. The Third Edition successfully achieves two main objectives. First, it presents detailed information about air pollution and its control. Causes, sources, effects, and regulation of air pollution are discussed, as well as the economic analysis necessary for efficient and effective control of air... |
 |
Air Pollution: Problems and Solutions (Science and Society) by J. S. Kidd (Author), Renee A. Kidd (Author) The impact society has on the progress and acceptance of new science - and vice versa - is greater than most people think. For instance, over the past five years, events indicate that citizens' views have helped change the focus of the research and development carried out by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and by the Environmental Protection Agency. Likewise, citizen actions have influenced the direction of the activities of organizations such as the World Bank in their efforts to improve agriculture and living conditions in the developing nations of the world. The new "Science and Society" set not only highlights the "what" of science, but also the "why," the "how," and the "who." Each volume provides an accessible, authoritative view of the history and current state of a... |
 |
Atmospheric Pollution by Mark Z. Jacobson (Author) This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and science of major air pollution issues. It begins with an introduction to the basic atmospheric chemistry and the history of discovery of chemicals in the atmosphere, and then moves on to a discussion of the evolution of the earth's atmosphere, and the structure and composition of the present-day atmosphere. It also offers a comprehensive and accessible discussion of the five major atmospheric pollution topics: urban outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution, acid deposition, stratospheric ozone reduction, and global climate change. |
|
Nsca Pollution Handbook by Natl Soc for Clean Air The National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection publishes this annual guide to legislation in the UK for pollution control. | |
 |
Air Pollution, Smog, and Acid Rain DVD Starring: Artist Not Provided The thin layer of air that envelops the earth is essential to life. Unfortunately, modern living produces chemical by-products that threaten not only the quality of life, but also the number of living creatures and organisms that can survive in such conditions. |
 |
Air Pollution Engineering Manual by Air & Waste Management Association (Author), Wayne R. Davis (Editor) The definitive resource for information on air pollution emission sources and the technology available to control them. The Air Pollution Engineering Manual has long been recognized as an important source of information on air pollution control issues for industries affected by the Clean Air Act and regulations in other countries. Thoroughly updated to reflect the latest emission factors and control measures for reducing air pollutants, this new edition provides industry and government professionals with the fundamental, technological, and regulatory information they need for compliance with the most recent air pollution standards. Contributing experts from diverse fields discuss the different processes that generate air pollution, equipment used with all types of gases and... |
 |
Chasing Clean Air by Donna Barnett Join tens of thousands of clean air seekers who read Chasing Clean Air; a leading online blog devoted to clean air destinations, resources, and the latest health impact of air pollution studies and practical solutions. Chasing Clean Air documents one woman's search for clean air. With over 900 informative articles and 1000s of photographs, Chasing Clean Air aspires to inspire tens of millions of Americans living in the world's growing smog belt to reach out and breathe clean air.Let Donna entertain, educate, and inspire you with stories from the clean air road! Clean air travel, adventures, and getaways are emphasized, along with toxic pollution when found along the way. If you've ever said, Enough smog and traffic already! join Chasing Clean Air readers who aspire to breathe better... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |