Other
Scientific paper
Apr 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003eaeja....14288s&link_type=abstract
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly, Abstracts from the meeting held in Nice, France, 6 - 11 April 2003, abstract #14288
Other
Scientific paper
In this report I propose a model connecting changes in ionosphere potential to the removal rate of carbon from ocean surface, which in turn, affects the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. The basic argument is that variations in the mean magnetic field of the heliosphere lead to the modulation of galactic cosmic radiation, which affects the ionosphere potential and conductivity of the atmosphere. These parameters exert a direct control on the electrophoretic velocity of the organic colloids present close to the ocean surface affecting their removal rate through coagulation. The ionosphere is maintained at a potential of ˜ +250 kV by thunderstorms which drive up current through the conducting atmosphere. The global electric circuit is completed mainly by currents of ˜2 pA/m2 flowing through fair weather atmosphere, remote from thunderstorms. The electric conductivity over the ocean surface is similar to that over ground (= 0.02 x pmho/m). Blanchard [1966; 1985] found that positively charged drops from bubbles bursting at the surface of the sea (whitecaps) produce a flow of positive current from the world ocean to the atmosphere of about 40 pA/m2. The ocean whitecaps could then be considered as electrophoretic cells subjected to a fair-weather electric field of the order of 2000 V/m. In an electrophoretic cell, suspended particles carrying surface charge migrate at a velocity proportional to their surface charge and applied field strength (Smoluchowski equation) and collide with each other and form larger particles. A large inventory of organic carbon in the world oceans is in the form of nm size colloids and somewhat larger transparent exopolymer particles and other aggregates that are collectively called dissolved organic matter (DOM). The DOM coagulates to transform into larger particulate organic matter (POM), which is subsequently removed from the ocean surface. As colloidal particles often bear a surface charge, or zeta potential, it is likely that whitecaps provide a site for the transformation of DOM to POM through electrophoresis. As shown by observations of Chin et al (1998), the seawater electrolyte concentration is such as to permit spontaneous coagulation of colloids through Brownian motion (i.e., > critical coagulation concentration). The rate of electrokinetic coagulation in whitecaps is likely to be much higher that that due to Brownian motion alone and will therefore control the production rate of POM. Changes in the galactic cosmic ray flux change the ionosphere potential as well as the conductivity of the atmosphere and should thus directly influence the POM production in whitecaps. If true this model would provide a direct link between solar magnetic activity and terrestrial climate.
No associations
LandOfFree
Modulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by global electric circuit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Modulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by global electric circuit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by global electric circuit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-846132