POSTULATED WEATHER MODIFICATION EFFECTS OF LARGE ENERGY RELEASES

摘要

Postulated impacts of large energy releases have been examined in the light of existing technical information. The magnitudes of direct atmospheric modifications have been estimated, and the ecological and economic implications of the modifications have been explored.nEnergy releases from energy centers (10 to 40 power plants at a single site) and individual power plant clusters (1 to 4 power plants) have been considered. In the atmosphere the energy will exist initially as increased temperature (sensible heat), moisture (latent heat), and air motion (kinetic energy). Addition of energy could result in increased cloudiness and fog, and changed precipitation patterns. Potential sec¬ondary atmospheric impacts include decreased daytime and increased night¬time temperatures, early initiation of convective clouds, and increased frequency of hail, lightening and convective vortices.nLarge energy releases may increase the temperature of the air by a Celcius degree or more. The magnitude of the increase and the volume of air affected would be functions of the cooling systems used.