PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project was to use biology or biotechnology concepts to analyze and find a solution to a problem in the world. The options were pretty much left unrestricted, allowing for anything from water purification to bio-terrorism. Our group decided to look at the pressing problem of climate change, and how it impacts the globe. We evaluated geoengineering techniques, their effectiveness, cost, and impact. We then concluded that we would investigate cloud seeding, and how it could help us ease the world into a greener future.
Global Warming
A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants. In order to minimize the effects of global warming, action needs to be taken as soon as possible. The emissions generated by humans also needs to be offset by negative emissions. One way to achieve negative emissions is through geoengineering.
Geoengineering
The "deliberate large-scale manipulation of an environmental process that affects the Earth's climate in an attempt to counteract the effects of global warming". There are many different types of geoengineering. They are broken down into two catagories: Carbon Dioxide Removal, and Solar Radiation Management.
Carbon Dioxide Removal
This method tires tries to get CO2 out of the atmosphere, hence the name. An example might be CCS, or Carbon Capture and Sequestration.
Solar Radiation Management
This method attempts to limit the amount of radiation coming from the sun to limit the Earth's temperature from rising a large amount. A diagram of the techniques we explored is found in the presentation.
Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding is the method of equipping ships with a device that sucks in sea water and atomizes it. The water is then pushed out of "stacks". This then creates clouds, or brightens existing ones. This happens because the salt in the water is a large enough particle for which water vapor needs to condense. The increased albedo level of the cloud reflect the sun's rays and decreases the rate at which the globe warms. The ships could either be specially built, or adapted to existing ships. It could be a lower cost option, when compared to other geoengineering stratagems.
Effects of Cloud Seeding
The total effects are unkown, as this stratagey would need to be widely immplemented to be able to view what happens as a result. Environmental concerns exist, as less sunlight would reach the surface. This could have a detrimental effect on ecosystems. However, there are numerous benifits. The process would be effective, using technology that is within reach. The effects would be immidiate, which also allows the process to be stopped if there are substantial detrimental effects. Overall, the topic of Ocean Cloud Seeding should be further explored.
Our Experiment
Put the extinguished match by the bottle cap and suck in the smoke with the bottle. Make sure the bottle has a tablespoon of water.
Now that the smoke is inside the bottle, close the cap.
Squeeze
And release, the water should condense to the smoke, if it doesn't happen at first, just squeeze and release multiple times.
Our Model
I built a model to give a rough idea what the ship would look like.
Refelction
This projects was designed to provide closure to our Sophomore year in the STEM program. We had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of options in terms of problems and solutions. This provided our group to exhibit one of its strengths, which was long term planning and project brainstorming. We had a schedule, which we followed, and allowed us to be ahead of all the required deadlines. This was accomplished though strong leadership on the parts of all members. Each member had unique contributions and took charge of a specific part of the project. Having an individual in control of every item facilitated a smooth process, we finnished the model in two days, and we finished everything else in three.
One thing we could improve is understanding of the assignment. Our group did not have a firm grip on what the project was asking, leading us to develop a presentation that did not conform to the standards. While this was discovered by the group fairly early on, when I wanted to make a film to be the medium of presentation but our teacher said we needed to do a live oral presentation. As mentioned before this was caught prettey quickly, but it could have ended badly if we didn't ask to make sure that it was ok. I believe that all members now will take a second look at what needs to be done before starting to work.
Another thing we could improve upon is our performance. The main one is drawn from the fact that there were multiple smaller write-ups that had to be completed and turned in. The group successfully completed these, but there was substantial confusion on who should turn what item in. The lack of efficient communication on stages that required multiple people to complte lead to the incorrect items being turned in. While these issues did end up being resolved, it did highlight what we could do better on.
One thing we could improve is understanding of the assignment. Our group did not have a firm grip on what the project was asking, leading us to develop a presentation that did not conform to the standards. While this was discovered by the group fairly early on, when I wanted to make a film to be the medium of presentation but our teacher said we needed to do a live oral presentation. As mentioned before this was caught prettey quickly, but it could have ended badly if we didn't ask to make sure that it was ok. I believe that all members now will take a second look at what needs to be done before starting to work.
Overall it was a very enjoyable experience and it was a good last project, even if I didn't make a video.
One thing we could improve is understanding of the assignment. Our group did not have a firm grip on what the project was asking, leading us to develop a presentation that did not conform to the standards. While this was discovered by the group fairly early on, when I wanted to make a film to be the medium of presentation but our teacher said we needed to do a live oral presentation. As mentioned before this was caught prettey quickly, but it could have ended badly if we didn't ask to make sure that it was ok. I believe that all members now will take a second look at what needs to be done before starting to work.
Another thing we could improve upon is our performance. The main one is drawn from the fact that there were multiple smaller write-ups that had to be completed and turned in. The group successfully completed these, but there was substantial confusion on who should turn what item in. The lack of efficient communication on stages that required multiple people to complte lead to the incorrect items being turned in. While these issues did end up being resolved, it did highlight what we could do better on.
One thing we could improve is understanding of the assignment. Our group did not have a firm grip on what the project was asking, leading us to develop a presentation that did not conform to the standards. While this was discovered by the group fairly early on, when I wanted to make a film to be the medium of presentation but our teacher said we needed to do a live oral presentation. As mentioned before this was caught prettey quickly, but it could have ended badly if we didn't ask to make sure that it was ok. I believe that all members now will take a second look at what needs to be done before starting to work.
Overall it was a very enjoyable experience and it was a good last project, even if I didn't make a video.