Breckenridge Destinations supports independent journalism. Click for great deals on vacation lodging in Breckenridge.
A NASA satellite photo shows Greenland’s ice sheet.
Fossil fuels leave clear fingerprint
By Summit Voice
FRISCO — Researchers find all sorts of climate clues in Greenland’s ice sheet, and now, a new study of isotopes shows a distinct fingerprint of the long-term increase in atmospheric acidity.
The research by University of Washington researchers shows a decrease in levels of the isotope nitrogen-15 in core samples from Greenland ice starting around the time of the Industrial Revolution.
The decrease has been attributed to a corresponding increase in nitrates associated with the burning of fossil fuels. But the new evaluation links the decline increased acidity in the atmosphere — primarily from sulfur dioxide, which in the atmosphere is transformed to sulfuric acid, according Lei Geng, a UW research associate in atmospheric sciences. Following the Industrial Revolution, sulfur dioxide emissions increased steadily because of coal burning. (more…)
Filed under: air quality, Arctic, Environment | Tagged: air quality, atmospheric acidity, Environment, greenland, Greenland ice sheet, sulfur dioxide | 1 Comment »
Arapahoe Basin supports independent journalism. Click to visit The Legend online.
Powder's falling at Monarch!! Have you reserved your spot yet?
Innovative energy underwrites coverage of energy stories.
