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Researchers Gaze At Cloud Formations
UPI Correspondent Helsinki (UPI) Nov 22, 2006 Finnish researchers analyzing cloud formations say ozone destruction in the Earth's stratosphere might be occurring at a faster pace than thought. Anatoli Bogdan and colleagues at the University of Helsinki say they reached that conclusion after studying low-temperature thin and subvisible cirrus, or SVC. SVCs cover about one-third of the planet and affect global temperatures by reflecting sunlight back into space and preventing terrestrial heat from escaping into space. In addition, the scientists say ice particles in SVCs have a drying or dehydrating effect on the upper troposphere. "Here we show, to our best knowledge for the first time, that the small ice particles are not completely solid, as is usually believed, but rather coated with a sulfuric acid/water overlayer," the researchers said. The coating reduces the rate at which ice particles grow and remove water vapor -- a key greenhouse gas -- from the upper troposphere. That leaves more water vapor to contribute to the greenhouse effect. The coating further affects greenhouse warming by slightly increasing reflection of sunlight back into space and reducing the escape of terrestrial heat. The study appeared in the Nov. 16 issue of the Journal of Physical Chemistry A.
Source: United Press International Related Links University of Helsinki The Air We Breathe at TerraDaily.com
France To Create Coal Tax, Tighten Pollution Measures
Paris (AFP) Nov 13, 2006The French government announced measures Monday to tighten pollution taxes with the creation next year of a coal tax and a 10-percent increase in taxation of industrial and air transport pollution. France also wanted to examine quickly with European partners a "carbon tax" on imports of industrial goods from countries which "refused to commit themselves in favor of the Kyoto protocole after 2012", Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said. |
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