Earth Sciences

Nuclear Niño response observed in simulations of nuclear war scenarios

J. Coupe, S. Stevenson, et al.

This study reveals how smoke from nuclear war fires could trigger a significant climate response in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to a drastic reduction in phytoplankton productivity and an extreme climate impact lasting up to seven years. Conducted by Joshua Coupe, Samantha Stevenson, and their colleagues, it highlights the potential for nuclear war to severely disrupt environmental stability and food security.

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Playback language: English

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Abstract

This study investigates the climate impacts of smoke from nuclear war fires, focusing on the response of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Using an Earth system model, simulations of six nuclear war scenarios reveal a large, sustained response resembling an El Niño, but lasting up to seven years (Nuclear Niño). This is characterized by westerly trade wind anomalies and a shutdown of upwelling, primarily due to cooling of the Maritime Continent and tropical Africa. A significant reduction (40%) in equatorial Pacific phytoplankton productivity is also predicted. The findings suggest that nuclear war could trigger extreme climate change and compromise food security beyond the effects of crop failure.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Jan 22, 2021

Authors

Joshua Coupe, Samantha Stevenson, Nicole S. Lovenduski, Tyler Rohr, Cheryl S. Harrison, Alan Robock, Holly Olivarez, Charles G. Bardeen, Owen B. Toon

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