The Study of the Atmospheric Effects of the Kuwait Oil Fires

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The Persian Gulf situation presents a unique opportunity to assess the impact of massive fossil fuel fires on the atmosphere. In particular, measurements of the effects on cloud and precipitation processes, radiation, and atmospheric chemistry would provide data that could be used in cloud physics, climate, global change, and air pollution research. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University of Washington have developed a plan, with university and Federal scientists, to mount an initial intensive observational program by one or two aircraft during a four-week period in May and June. The scientific objectives of the program are: o To characterize the regional emission rates of the fires. o To measure radiative properties of the smoke, and the net radiative effects of the plumes. o To measure characteristics of the smoke particles and determine if the particles have a hygroscopic component. o To determine the effects of the smoke on the composition and radiative properties of clouds. o To measure the chemical composition of the plume and determine how that composition changes with time. o To study regional weather anomalies associated with these smoke emissions. The proposed observational equipment will include the University of Washington Convair C-131A and/or NCAR Electra. In addition to Federal support for this effort, Gilbert Grosvenor, President of the National Geographic Society, has contacted NSF to provide some support for this project.