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In recent decades a group of scientists has developed a series of ideas aimed at combating global warming. One of these 'futuristic projects' to cool our planet continually proposes injecting sulfur into the stratosphere.

The idea, proposed by the scientist Tom Wigley of the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), was obtained with a computer model. Wigley calculated the impact of injecting sulphate aerosol particles or every four years in the stratosphere in amounts equal to those expelled by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

But a new study by the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder in the United States, which ensures the continuous injections of sulphur in the stratosphere could eliminate ozone-polar.

The study, published in the journal 'Science', shows that injections are neither technological nor environmentally viable, and therefore can not, as intended, providing a 'grace period' and the backward state of stratosphere to what it was 20 years before requiring major reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases.

Risks to the ozone layer

Although sulphate aerosols produced by natural large volcanic eruptions such as that of 1991 could cool the planet significantly lower temperatures and rising over the next hundred years, the increase in levels of sulphate aerosols would encourage the destruction of ozone.

The scientists, led by Simone Tilman, claim that in the Arctic, using the method of injections of sulphur could delay the recovery of the current ozone hole between 30 and 70 years.

According to investigators, injections of small particles of sulphur large enough to counteract the surface warming over the coming decades would eliminate the total amount of ozone in the lower stratosphere in the Arctic very cold winters.

This study reveals the difficulty of putting into practice the many attempts by some scientists, concerned about limiting emissions of greenhouse gases, ideas unusual plans to reverse global warming.

Source : www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/04/24/ciencia/1209047074.html

Photo shows the massif of Mont Blanc from Chamonix, in the eastern France.

New detailed Global Positioning System (GPS) readings taken on the 15th-16th September have shown that Mont-Blanc measures 4810.9 metres. Mont-Blanc is covered by a thick ice-cap which has thickened by 2.15 metres in just 2 years but more surprisingly the volume of the ice has nearly doubled. At least that is, according to the “Géomètres experts de Haute-Savoie”.

The volume of ice was calculated for the first time in 2003. It measured 14,600 cubic metres above 4800 metres. It was just 14.300 cubic metres in 2005, possibly due to the 2003 heat wave with positive temperatures even at 5000 metres altitude. However the icecap has nearly doubled since then and now measures 24.100 cubic metres.

According to Chamonix’s respected local weather forecaster, Mr. Yan Giezendanner, the growth in the size of the ice-cap is one of the perverse effects of global warming. “Snowfall hasn’t increased overall in the Alps but with the climate change we are seeing more warm westerly winds which bring rain lower down but in summer this translates to dense snowfall that settles above 4000 metres altitude – hence the volume of the ice-cap is growing”. Contrast this to the situation during winter where snow crystals are extremely cold and are easily transported by wind so don’t settle on the summit.

Despite this growth Mont Blanc still has a long way to go before it catches Elbrus, Europe’s tallest mountain situated in the Russia Caucasus. Elbrus measured 5642 metres at the last reading.

Reference :

 Global Positioning System (GPS)
The GPS is a satellite-based, radio navigational system. It consists of a constellation with 24 active satellites that interfaces with a ground-, air-, or sea-based receiver. Each satellite transmits data that enables the GPS receiver to provide precise position and time to the user. The GPS receivers come in several configurations, hand-held, vehicular-mounted, aircraft-mounted, and watercraft-mounted.
www.map-reading.com/appendj.php

 Mont Blanc
The summit of Mont Blanc is a glistening white dome that fills the sky. It is the highest and hugest summit in the Alps. The elevation difference from bottom to top is more than 13,000 feet (3963 metres), and glaciers extend to as low as 4000 feet (1219.5 metres). It is ascended by a number of routes, many of which are fairly easy grades. The length and altitude of the ascent, however, coupled with the frequent instability of the weather, make Mont Blanc a very serious ascent, and over 1000 people have died on the mountain, largely because they failed to respect it, and failed to appreciate their own limitations. Two “normal” routes and several others can be used for ascending. Being fairly easy it is often overcrowded but luckily the peak itself is so flat and broad that it can provide place for 100-200 climbers at the same time. Physically pretty demanding.
www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=184

 Elbrus
Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe. It is part of the Central Caucasus, but is located several miles north of the main crest. Its origin is volcanic, and though it has long been extinct, it still retains its gently sloping, conical shape. Of the twin cones rising on its summit, the highest is located west of another cone that is only slightly smaller (18,442 feet, or 5622.5 metres). The summit is capped in ice year round, and countless glaciers sprawl from its slopes. All told, the mountain and its vast glaciers cover 56 square miles (145 square kilometres). The summit provides incredible views of the entire Caucasus.
www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=1059
 Mt. Elbrus climbing info site,
www.elbrus.org/

Source of Photo :
www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2007/10/13/ciencia/1192278587.html...

Source of article :
pistehors.com/news/ski/comments/0751-mont-blanc-doubles-i...

Photo shows largest brilliant-cut D-colour flawless diamond ever to appear at an auction during a preview 01st October 2007 in Geneva.

Read more about the "Millennium Star" diamond clicking on the web link below.
famousdiamonds.tripod.com/millenniumstardiamond.html

Prague and Budapest are the most popular cities in Central Europe for foreign visitors. But these two now have a competitor in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, which is a dazzling place.

Montenegro, a former Yugoslav Republic, is called the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean.’ It is unique in many ways, and situated in the south of the Adriatic. Montenegro is now a sovereign state, a member of the United Nations, and recognized internationally by all major states in the world.