Skip to main content

A Review of NASA's 'Atmospheric Effects of Stratospheric Aircraft' Project (1999) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

Executive Summary
Pages 1-4

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 1...
... These changes, in turn, may have indirect effects on ozone and on global climate through coupling with radiative and dynamical atmospheric processes. Hence, assessing the atmospheric impact of a fleet of HSCTs requires not only an understanding of the chemistry of the natural stratosphere and its possible perturbations by HSCT emissions, but also a quantitative understanding of the pathways for transport of HSCT emissions, and their resulting temporal and spatial distribution within the atmosphere.
Read the entire page →
From page 2...
... For instance, the chemical processes controlling ozone formation and destruction in the lower stratosphere are more quantitatively understood as a result of AESA-sponsored research, which included in situ measurement of a wide variety of trace species, laboratory kinetics studies, and modeling of gas-phase and surface-catalyzed chemistry. Laboratory studies of heterogeneous processes have advanced understanding of the kinetics of reactions on aerosols, and aircraft-based in situ measurements have provided detailed knowledge of the number, size, and composition of stratospheric particles.
Read the entire page →
From page 3...
... Currently, however, these models have a very limited ability to represent many of the important atmospheric processes and feedbacks that exist within the climate system, and thus model estimates of aviation climate impacts are highly uncertain. Addressing these uncertainties would require the following: · Continued investigation of fundamental engine combustion chemistry and particle formation processes is needed, including laboratory, modeling, and field studies.
Read the entire page →
From page 4...
... Although many parts of the AEAP's research program could feasibly be supported through other existing programs, there is concern that certain critical research topics would "fall through the cracks" between these other programs. Maintenance of an applied program such as AEAP adds considerable value to the overall research efforts by providing a focus for multiagency and multidisciplinary coordination, and by helping the research community provide a coherent source of input into national and international assessment activities.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • stratospheric aircraft
  • lower stratosphere
  • aircraft emissions
  • upper troposphere
  • emission indices

  • atmospheric transport
  • laboratory studies
  • hsct emissions
  • quantitative understanding
  • atmospheric processes

  • chemical processes
  • highly uncertain
  • processes controlling
  • water vapor
  • continued work

  • ozone formation
  • relevant tropospheric
  • atmospheric composition
  • horizontal resolution
  • ozone column

  • tropospheric processes
  • detailed box
  • x emission
  • stratospheric assessment
  • entire atmospheric

  • fundamental kinetics
  • situ field
  • representing atmospheric
  • global distribution
  • assessment activities


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.