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      Ozone Depletion and Global Warming

      Fow, Alista John
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      Fow, A. J. (2006). Ozone Depletion and Global Warming (Thesis). The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10289/2311
      Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/2311
      Abstract
      Abstract

      This thesis examines global warming and the possible contribution that ozone

      depletion provides to this warming. An examination is performed to determine

      the extent of any warming/cooling events within the Earth-atmosphere

      system. The change in energy corresponding to this warning of the Earth-

      atmosphere system is estimated as being equivilent to an increase of mean

      solar input of 0.22W/m2. This is compared to the predicted changes of solar

      input for the two most common global warming scenarios: greenhouse gases

      and solar irradiance variance; and for a less well explored scenario, snow-ice

      albedo change. Examination of ozone depletion data shows that an absence of

      ozone in the stratosphere produces an increase in UV-B radiation at the surface

      of the Earth. This increase in UV-B light has not previously been thourougly

      examined in any of the global warming scenarios. This is presented as a fourth

      scenario for global warming.

      An analytical three layer model of the Earth-atmosphere, based on an earlier

      two layer model, is developed. Using this model it is determined that

      greenhouse gases, solar irradiance, snow-ice albedo feedback and ozone depletion

      can cause warming of the Earth's atmosphere. After comparison with

      other models, a snow-ice albedo mechanism is incorporated into the three layer

      model. This produces an amplification effect of any warming that occurs.

      Compared to the observed increase of surface temperature between 1975-2000

      of 0.55 K, the model using a snow-ice albedo feedback, produced an increase

      of temperature of 1.4 K for greenhouse gases, 0.294 K for a solar irradiance increase

      and 0.119 K caused by a decrease in the ozone layer. Of the greenhouse

      gas, solar irradiance and ozone depletion scenarios, ozone depletion demonstrates

      the most realistic relative changes with a cooling of the stratosphere

      and a warming of the troposphere and Earth's surface as has been observed.

      It is concluded that ozone depletion is likely for a reasonable part of observed

      global warming.
      Date
      2006
      Type
      Thesis
      Degree Name
      Master of Science (MSc)
      Publisher
      The University of Waikato
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      All items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
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