November 20, 1986 Journal article Open Access

Uncertainties in the smoke source term for 'nuclear winter' studies

Penner, Joyce E.

Climate models have shown that the effects on climate of a major nuclear exchange depend on the quantity and optical properties of the smoke that is dispersed into a global atmosphere. Published estimates for each of the factors necessary to determine the smoke optical depth yeild a wide range of values, which allows the prediction of either comparatively minor effects on climate or massive effects.