Impact of Aviation on Surface Climate

Carleton's research focuses on the impact of aviation, specifically contrails, on surface climate. His work began in the 1980s and led to the September 11th study, which analyzed the effects of a 72-hour aviation shutdown on surface temperature. Recent studies examine the long-term impact of contrails on daily temperature ranges, finding that areas with frequent contrails have a reduced diurnal temperature range compared to areas with fewer contrails.

What is the primary focus of Carleton's research on aviation?

• The noise pollution caused by airplanes

• The economic benefits of aviation

• The impact of aviation on wildlife

• The effect of contrails on surface climate

What event led to the grounding of commercial aviation in the US, which was studied for its impact on contrails?

• A volcanic eruption

• A severe weather event

• The September 11th terrorist attacks

• A major airline strike

During the September 11th study, what was the duration of the period when commercial aviation was grounded?

• 72 hours

• 48 hours

• 96 hours

• 24 hours

What was the initial observation that led Carleton to start his research on contrails?

• Decreased air quality in Bloomington

• Increased rainfall in Indiana

• Frequent contrail clouds over central Indiana

• Higher temperatures in urban areas

In the recent study, which regions were analyzed for the impact of contrails on daily temperature range?

• The Northeast and the Southwest

• The Southwest and the Midwest

• The Southeast and the Midwest

• The Northwest and the Southeast

What was the primary method used to compare the impact of contrails in the recent study?

• Computer simulations

• Weather station data comparison

• Public surveys

• Satellite imagery analysis

What was the main finding regarding the diurnal temperature range in areas with frequent contrails?

• It remained unchanged

• It was reduced

• It was increased

• It fluctuated randomly

How do contrails affect the daytime high and overnight low temperatures in areas with fewer contrails?

• Both temperatures are higher

• Both temperatures are lower

• Daytime high is higher, overnight low is lower

• Daytime high is lower, overnight low is higher

What does the recent study suggest about the long-term impact of contrails on surface temperature?

• Contrails reduce the diurnal temperature range

• Contrails have no impact

• Contrails increase surface temperature

• Contrails cause random temperature changes

What does the recent study confirm about the findings from the September 11th study?

• Contrails have no effect on climate

• Contrails cause more rainfall

• Contrails increase the diurnal temperature range

• Contrails reduce the diurnal temperature range