Considering intentional stratospheric dehydration for climate benefits

Introduction

The concept of intentional stratospheric dehydration (ISD) focuses on reducing water vapor concentrations near the tropopause and in the stratosphere by injecting ice-nucleating particles (INP) to increase outbound longwave radiation. By targeting only a small fraction of air parcels, significant removal of water vapor can be achieved, potentially contributing to climate interventions with different impacts and risks than other strategies.

Results

Model results exploring INP injection in the TTL show a 10% reduction in water vapor concentration with targeted injection. The reduction in water vapor near the tropopause could lead to a radiative forcing decrease of -0.07 to -0.09 W m^-2, contributing to a portfolio of climate interventions. The injection of INP in supersaturated air masses could effectively reduce water vapor transport to the stratosphere.

Implications for ISD

ISD through targeted INP injections could potentially reduce water vapor transport from the TTL to the stratosphere without significant cloud formation. The method presents challenges in dispersing INP into specific air masses but could offer a valuable element in climate intervention strategies, considering its controlled impact on stratospheric water vapor.

ThaoPaul Bui, Ru-Shan Gao, Eric J. Jensen, Robert W. Portmann, Eric A. Ray, Andrew W. Rollins, Karen H. Rosenlof, Joshua P. Schwarz and Troy D. Thornberry - Considering intentional stratospheric dehydration for climate benefits - Flipbook by Fleepit