UW Marine Cloud Brightening

Description

In March 2024, the University of Washington Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) program established the Coastal Atmospheric Aerosol Research and Engagement (CAARE) facility in Alameda, California. Activities at the CAARE facility included a small-scale study to measure the evolution of a sea-salt plume idealized for MCB produced by a sea-salt sprayer and a program to engage the public on aerosol-cloud interaction science.

The researchers set up their sea-salt sprayer and observational instruments on the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum, a decommissioned U.S. aircraft carrier in Alameda. The scientific goal of the study was to measure the size and concentration of the generated sea-salt aerosols in the first 250m downwind of the spray system, and to test model simulations of the plume evolution.

Shortly after commencing the study safety concerns were raised by some community members and objections were raised by activists who oppose all outdoor SRM research. In response the team voluntarily halted the study to address these concerns. Consultants hired by the city determined the study to be safe, but on 4 June 2024, the Alameda City Council decided not to allow the CAARE activities as part of the U.S.S Hornet Museum operating permit.

Key Papers