Pitch
Decreasing absorbtion of solar radiation through reflective clouds formed by ocean water raised to ice crystal formation height in tubes.
Description
Summary
Ocean platforms are used as the base of a system to transport steam to a height where steam is transformed into ice crystals. The platforms are self-sufficient producing steam from ocean water using solar power. The steam is then transported in tubes to a height guaranteeing ice crystal formation using steam pressure. A balloon supports the tube and is filled with hydrogen produced by electrolyzing sea water which is powered by solar panels. Some aspects of this system were investigated by SPICE.ORG but may have been abandoned due to legal considerations. The TrialBalloon project makes substantial improvements including self-sufficiency of the platform.
A likely implementation for this project would be in international waters surrounding Antarctica since the height at which ice crystals form in the atmosphere would be lowest there and interference with shipping would be at a minimum and cloud formation would have least impact on land masses. A disadvantage would be that the least energy reflection would be produced in this area on a square mile basis.
Category of the action
Geoengineering
What actions do you propose?
Testing steam produced cloud formation technology and measurement of effects. Building test platforms at the smallest viable scale. Developing estimates for dollar/reflected energy and finding optimal appropriate scale for platforms. Finding funding for large scale testing and possible implementation.
Who will take these actions?
As principal designer I will seek expertise in diverse areas including balloons and tethering systems, strength of materials (tethering and tubing), steam generation, and various other solar related technologies. Corporate participation will be sought for test materials and technologies. Government cooperation will be sought for measurement of effects and other support.
Where will these actions be taken?
Global participation will be sought. Various test locations could be used based on location of participants and appropriateness of locations.
What are other key benefits?
Aside from actually reducing global warming, this could be an experiment in global cooperation which might improve likelihood of a technological approach to climate change solutions. Some argue that a technological approach is treating only a symptom of climate change. In reality, climate change is a symptom of a larger problem: over-population. Attacking a "symptom" of climate change successfully may provide a broadening both of solutions and perceived problems.
What are the proposal’s costs?
Costs of a successful implementation of this project on a global scale cannot be estimated until optimal designs are determined. Also an optimal design may not be politically acceptable. As climate change progresses, costs become less of a factor. A feasibility study and initial test might well be funded with donations of materials and talent.
Time line
It is theoretically possible that a network of platforms produced in a single year could control climate change indefinitely with self-sustaining design. At some point the system might have to be scaled back if too successful.
Related proposals
unknown
References
SPICE.ORG
By:
