Putting it all together

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 72

So what has all of this meant, and where will I go with it next? In this journal entry, I will try to explain the overall importance of the project, what it all means, and what action we can take.

PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF SNOW- WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Pollutants in the air like nitric oxide can be carried great distances through the air, and can even reach places that many of us would expect to be the cleanest and purest places on earth, like the ice cap at Greenland. Researchers have collected data that shows a dramatic increase of many pollutants due to human activities that burn fossil fuels, especially from the use of motor vehicles. Burning of fossil fuels is one of the largest contributors of nitrous oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbons being released into the troposphere (lowest layer of our atmosphere).

NOx + hydrocarbons + sunlight = Ozone (O2)

This formula shows how ozone forms in the lower levels of the atmosphere. We need ozone to protect us from ultraviolet radiation. Unfortunately, the ozone that protects us from UV rays should be in the stratosphere (second layer of our atmosphere). When NOx and hydrocarbons are emitted from our cars and powerplants, they stay in the troposphere and forms ozone there. This type of ozone builds up in areas where there are high temperatures and stagnant winds. Too much of this lower level or “bad” ozone can cause health problems (specifically respiratory problems like asthma) and force us to limit our outdoor activities.

What does all of this have to do with Summit, Greenland, and photochemistry of snow? Well, we already know that pollutants can be carried to the farthest corners of the earth- like Summit. Scientists used to believe that when pollutants came down in snow that falls on the ice cap (since it never melts) that those pollutants stayed put and were only buried by other layers of snow and pollutants. With the newest research, scientists have found this to be an inaccurate model of what actually occurs inside the snow pack (firn).

The data that has been collected at Summit over the last 1 1/2 years shows that what actually happens in the snow is much, much more complex than that. By studying various properties of snow (how air moves through it, how far light can penetrate into the firn, and the shapes and sizes of crystals within the snow pack, for example) and monitoring the many different types of chemicals found in and above the firn, researchers have found that when pollutants in the snow come in contact with sunlight, they break apart and change, forming different chemicals. Hydroxyl (a “cleaner” of the atmosphere) forms, but unfortunately many chemicals that add to stratospheric ozone issues are also released from the snow, and are sent out of the snow, and undoubtedly blown to other areas of the world.

Ok, what does all this mean? Well, researchers are currently trying to put a new, more accurate model together of what actually happens to pollutants that settle in the snow. This new model changes many things. It not only changes what researchers thought about what happened to pollutants that fell on the ice cap, but it also changes what researchers thought they knew about earth’s atmospheric history. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, an ice core sample was taken from the surface of the ice cap, down 2 1/2 miles. Scientists were able to take air samples out of the ice and analyze those samples for their composition. It was like time was literally frozen for them to see. Now, though, it looks like they really are going to have to go back and look at that data again to see if this new model changes what scientists thought was our atmospheric history. Also, it reinforces everything we have been taught about our need as humans to conserve our use of fossil fuels. If these chemicals are being put into the atmosphere, changed and sent back out, we really do need to make sure to do what we can to control how much is out there.

Why should we care? I have already mentioned how this this research ties into stratospheric, or “bad” ozone. Stratospheric ozone can become too concentrated and cause respiratory problems, especially for the very young and very old. It can in particularly high concentrations force just about everyone to alter their outdoor activities.
Stratospheric ozone can happen just about anywhere, but it is especially bad in warmer temperatures and stagnant winds. Even if you don’t live in a place where high ozone is a problem frequently, it is important to remember that the pollutants you put into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels can travel long distances and add to the problem in other parts of the world. Remember- these pollutants have been found in places where conditions would be expected to the cleanest on earth- like Summit! There is also evidence out there regarding major changes in global climates. Evidence shows that the planet is warming up much, much faster in the last 100 years than it has ever before. Looking back at history has helped researchers pinpoint the major causes of this warming trend. Although there are some natural causes that contribute, it is clear to the scientific community that human activity- specifically burning fossil fuels- has been the major contributor. If this warming trend continues, researchers believe that the polar ice caps will melt. The Greenland icecap in particular will most likely be gone in 1,000 years. That is pretty significant considering it took over 110,000 years to get where it is right now!! If this happens, the consequences would be serious. Sea levels would rise 20 ft., causing coastal areas to be covered by ocean. All the people now living on coasts would have to move inland, causing population issues, and inland areas would most likely experience droughts. Sounds like we need to start working on a solution, huh?

What can we do? It wouldn’t be reasonable to ask everyone in the world to make huge changes in their lives to combat this problem- not very many of us want to give up our cars, tvs, computers, etc… However, if we could get the word out about how important this issue is, and get the people around us to make some small changes in their lives, it could make a big difference. We all have areas that we can improve on. Since cars are the biggest problem, we could carpool, ride bikes or walk when possible, or take mass transit when it is available. As electric cars and alternative schools become more readily available and more affordable, choose those options for yourself, and encourage people you know to do the same. When you leave a room, make sure you turn out the lights. Turn off your computer, tv, or any other thing that uses electricity when you are not using it. As you can see, there are plenty of small, painless things you can do to do your part. Also, you are better informed about some environmental issues than the average person. Be an advocate for what you know is important. Spread the word, and tell others about the little things they could be doing to make the world a better place!