On the effects of a sudden change in the albedo of the earth
Creators
- 1. Oxford Univ. (UK). Dept. of Geology and Mineralogy
- 2. University Coll., Cardiff (UK)
Description
Acquisition by the upper atmosphere of some 1014 gm of cometary dust would have major implications on the Earth's climate. Pluvial activity would increase dramatically as temperature differences between sea and land widened. Global distribution of precipitation would be controlled by the density of the dust in the atmosphere; for a partially reflective blanket, a fraction of solar energy would still reach ground level creating new climate zones. The totally undecomposed state of the interiors of Siberian Mammoths and the curious distribution, often uphill, of erratic boulders point to unbelievably sudden and severe conditions at the onset and possibly end of a glacial period. It is suggested that a reflective blanket of particles could produce such conditions. (Auth.)
Additional details
Publishing Information
- Journal Title
- Astrophys. Space Sci.
- Journal Volume
- 60
- Journal Issue
- 2
- Series
- Astrophys. Space Sci.
- Journal Page Range
- 505-511
- ISSN
- 0004-640X
INIS
- Country of Publication
- Netherlands
- Country of Input or Organization
- Netherlands
- INIS RN
- 10469552
- Subject category
- S58: GEOSCIENCES;
- Descriptors DEI
- ALBEDO; CLIMATES; COMETS; COSMIC DUST; EARTH ATMOSPHERE; EARTH PLANET; GLACIERS; GROUND LEVEL; ICE; MEDIUM TEMPERATURE; PARTICLES; RAIN; REFLECTION; SNOW; SOLAR ENERGY; SOLAR RADIATION; SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
- Descriptors DEC
- ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS; DISTRIBUTION; DUSTS; ENERGY; LEVELS; PLANETS; RADIATIONS; STELLAR RADIATION