‘Artificial volcano’ in sky aims to tackle global warming

AN “ARTIFICIAL volcano” experiment at a disused British airfield next month could help save the planet from global warming.

Scientists will attempt to pump water up a hose suspended 1km in the air by a helium-filled balloon.

The test will provide data to support a giant geo-engineering project.

The long-term vision is to tether 1km-long pipes to balloons the size of Wembley stadium.

Light-scattering particles would be pumped into the atmosphere to reflect the sun’s rays and cool the earth. The effect would be resemble that of a volcano spewing out clouds of sulphate droplets, which can impact the climate.

Project leader Dr Matt Watson, from University of Bristol, said: “This is a controversial and potentially alarming subject. We’re going to try to pump tap water to a height of one kilometre through a pipe as a test of the technology.”

The test will take place on a disused airfield in Norfolk using a dirigible “blimp” of the type commonly used to carry adverts or take photos.

Constructing artificial volcanoes to alter climate is seen as a “last resort” if it proves impossible to bring carbon emissions under control.

Pumping 10 million tonnes of material into the stratosphere, using 10 to 20 giant balloons, could achieve a 2C global drop in temperature, the scientists believe.

Sulphate emissions from the Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines in June 1991 reduced world temperature by 0.5C for two years.

Experts believe particles of clay, salts or metallic oxides suspended in liquid would be more effective than the sulphates produced by volcanoes.

The suspended pipes would probably be sited far out to sea.

Dr Watson stressed a full-scale geo-engineering project would involve enormous engineering challenges, a careful analysis of the risks, and the co-operation of world governments.

Possible hazards include depletion of the ozone layer and unpredictable effects on rainfall.