A closer look at Geoengineering, page 1

posted on Mar, 26 2011 @ 03:39 AM

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So there's a lot of different theories being thrown about geoengineering and even if it's being carried out, so I thought I would bring some of the more popular ones being thrown about into the ring.

Note: This thread isn't about if it's happening or not, I want to discuss pros and cons as well as some of the proposed methods of geoengineering

Stratospheric sulfur aerosols

The basic premise of this method is to deliver various types of sulfurs into the stratosphere, such as dimethyl sulfide(CH3)2S , sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbonyl sulfide, or hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Delivery has been proposed with artillery, military jets and balloons. This method is designed to mirror a large volcanic eruption such as Mount Pinatubo in 1991 where global temperatures dropped by 0.4°C.

Pros

Mirrors a natural process which has been occurring for thousands of years and has been studied extensively
Results would be almost imediate
Technology exists to carry it out
Compared to other methods, cost is minimal
May halt or reduce ice melts

Cons

May cause drought in some areas
Further depletion of the ozone layer
Sulfers will noticeably discolour the sky
Stratosphere warming, increasing humidity
Cloud formation may be affected
Diffusion of sunlight may affect ecosystems
Reduced efficiency of solar power systems
Particulates falling back to the ground
Difficulty of dispersing aerosols evenly

Cloud reflectivity modification

This method is to increase the reflectivity of low level stratocumulus clouds to further enhance their cooling affect on global temperatures, The distribution method is to use large ships to spray microscopic droplets of salt water into the atmosphere, one proposal is to use a fleet of 1500 unmanned ships.

Pros

Uses natural and re-usable resources
Easy monitoring via satellite allowing for quick adjustments
Relatively cheap to implement
Technology exists to carry it out
Cooling can happen in only the places in which it is required
Minimum ecological impact

Cons

Meteorological affects are unknown
Relies heavily on wind speed and direction
Needs heavy reduction in CO2 to be viable
Building and maintaining a large fleet of ships

Further Reading

If time allows I will post some more but in the meantime, discuss!

edit on 26/3/11 by Chadwickus because: Fixed format

MathiasAndrew

posted on Mar, 26 2011 @ 05:32 AM

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A visual of some Geoengineering techniques

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/118a56273d6f.jpg[/atsimg]

Most experts on Geoengineering have ruled out the space shield idea as being too expensive and more like science fiction. The cloud whitening by pumping sea water into the atmosphere can be effective in certain areas.

Geoengineering video list from fora.tv
fora.tv...

The videos on this page are experts talking about the need for more studies on the techniques, benefits, dangers and possible consequences of geoengineering or not.

Geoengineering: Global Salvation or Ruin?
fora.tv...

Should humans address man-made rising temperatures and sea levels by tinkering further with mother nature? A lively debate about geoengineering has burst into the mainstream

edit on 26-3-2011 by MathiasAndrew because: add text

MathiasAndrew

posted on Mar, 26 2011 @ 05:49 AM

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reply to post by Chadwickus

Stratospheric sulfur aerosols

Cons

May cause drought in some areas
Further depletion of the ozone layer
Sulfers will noticeably discolour the sky
Stratosphere warming, increasing humidity
Cloud formation may be affected
Diffusion of sunlight may affect ecosystems
Reduced efficiency of solar power systems
Particulates falling back to the ground
Difficulty of dispersing aerosols evenly

Cloud reflectivity modification

Cons

Meteorological affects are unknown
Relies heavily on wind speed and direction
Needs heavy reduction in CO2 to be viable
Building and maintaining a large fleet of ships

A few more cons would be the impact of sulfur acidification of the Earths Oceans and Seas. Which could have disastrous effects on the ecosystems.

As well as sulfur and other oxides potentially increasing the PH levels of the Earths soil. Which can effect farming and insect life. Which also would have a very bad impact on our ecology and environment.

If the genetically modified algae blooms which capture extra CO2 from the atmosphere are used, it has been suggested that this could cause an increase in methane gas during the digestive process which would kill fish who's diet consists of the algae or the plankton that eats the algae.

edit on 26-3-2011 by MathiasAndrew because: edit text

Chadwickus

posted on Mar, 26 2011 @ 12:05 PM

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reply to post by MathiasAndrew

I hadn't thought of the affects on pH from the sulfur.

Cheers!

aboutface

posted on Mar, 26 2011 @ 04:31 PM

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reply to post by Chadwickus

If you're researching this for school, then I would suggest that there`s a human effect consideration here too. Near sulphur-emitting paper mills, the toll of asthma is higher.