Contrails and Climate Engineering - Process Studies on Natural and Artificial High-Level Clouds and Their Impact on the Radiative Fluxes

Abstract

Two aspects of anthropogenic impacts on the atmosphere are investigated using means of numerical weather prediction. A case study is conducted to estimate the impact of such artificial clouds on the incoming solar radiation at the Earth's surface with special regard to photovoltaic power production. Furthermore, simulations are performed to assess the efficacy of injecting particles into the Arctic troposphere with the aim of modifying cirrus clouds for counteracting global warming.