Weatherwatch: How increased Arctic shipping affects cloud formation
World
Shipping routes opened by climate change mean more industrial pollutants in the air
The gradual reduction in Arctic ice has started to open up new shipping routes, with marine traffic increasing by about 40% over the past 12 years. All these ships leave trails of pollutants in the air, which are already having a measurable climate effect.
Aerosol particles in engine exhaust act as nuclei for water droplets, promoting cloud formation. Like aircraft, ships may leave contrails behind them in the sky.
To read the full story from the source: The Guardian – International
