I was wondering about possible ways that man might artificially control the albedo of the arctic ocean, with the goal of reflecting as much solar radiation as possible, and possibly helping the ice sheet to form and grow and remain stable. Does anyone know of any such geoengineering suggestions?
Here are a couple of starting points that I thought might lead to something:
Bubbles/Foam/Froth
- A large number of unmanned vessels or even bouys are let loose in the arctic to drift about churning up a large about of bubbles or foam, using some chemical solution if it'd help.
Floating white stuff
- tiny white spheres like polystyrene (although i guess not insulating?) that float on the surface and increase albedo.
- Larger floating discs of white, floating, non-insulating material
Dye/"white oil"
Some sort of liquid that can be liberally poured into the ocean which will remain near or on the surface and increase the albedo. Like a giant white oil spill, something that floats on the surface would be ideal?
Ok I'm out, and I'll be honest, these all sound like seriously bad or flawed ideas to me too.
Does anybody have any comments, or know of any 'real' proposals to artificially increase albedo?
Can you see any merit in any of the above proposals?
I know we're talking a huge area, but if it were relatively cheap and simple (dumping a load of white oil in the sea, it might be something the international community might consider workable)
Any thoughts?