An IU study has found ways to reduce the ice melting in Antarctica.
The study is one of the first to look at how climate engineering might impact Antarctica, according to a press release.
The research is being led by Paul Goddard, assistant research scientist, and includes assistant professor Ben Kravitz.
Other researchers on this project are from Cornell University, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Center for Atmospheric Research.
The study found that dropping large amounts of sulfur droplets would slow ice melting.
“The leading method would be to use airplanes, so airplanes would be loaded up with sulfur dioxide or some other reflective material, flown up into the lower stratosphere, we’re talking 20 kilometers into the air and deposit the aerosols,” said Goddard.
Read more: Moment of Science: Black carbon pollution and melting ice in Antarctica
The study was done by computer simulations, in which the researchers were able to model different outcomes to see what could help cool Antarctica.
According to the press release, “the approach mimics what happens when a large volcano spews vast amounts of particles into the upper atmosphere and precipitates a cooling effect that can last months to years.”
The press release also said that 10 of “the hottest years on record have occurred in the past 14 years.”
This is due to climate disasters such as “heat waves, wildfires, flash flooding, and other climate-related impacts around the world,” said the press release.
Goddard said the process is good for Antarctica but could have different outcomes if it were used somewhere else.
“Maybe it has impacts on the Asian Monsoon, so it might not be great for every place on earth, but it demonstrates that it is a good way to do it for Antarctica,” said Goddard.
