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Sudden Changes in Atmospheric Composition and Climate

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Patterns of Change in Earth Evolution

Part of the book series: Dahlem Workshop Reports Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences Research Reports ((DAHLEM PHYSICAL,volume 5))

Abstract

Volcanic eruptions, collisions with galactic dust lanes, and asteroid impacts could all alter the composition of the atmosphere in significant ways. Asteroid impacts may be the major cause of large, sudden changes in atmospheric composition and climate by injection of dust and nitrogen oxides. Volcanic eruptions produce much less dust than large asteroid impacts but may still cause significant climatic changes. Galactic dust lane collisions probably do not affect the Earth’s climate unless very dense dust lanes are encountered. Numerous questions remain in studies of these phenomena.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ames Research Center, NASA Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA

    O. B. Toon

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  1. O. B. Toon
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Editor information

H. D. Holland A. F. Trendall

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© 1984 Dr. S. Bernhard, Dahlem Konferenzen

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Toon, O.B. (1984). Sudden Changes in Atmospheric Composition and Climate. In: Holland, H.D., Trendall, A.F. (eds) Patterns of Change in Earth Evolution. Dahlem Workshop Reports Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences Research Reports, vol 5. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69317-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69317-5_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-69319-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-69317-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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