Titre du document / Document title

Variability of contrail formation conditions and the implications for policies to reduce the climate impacts of aviation

Auteur(s) / Author(s)

WILLIAMS Victoria ; NOLAND Robert B. ;

Résumé / Abstract

This paper describes an approach to balance the climate benefits of contrail reduction against the penalties incurred when cruise altitudes are restricted. Altitude restrictions are targeted by selecting, for each 6-h period, the altitude that provides the greatest reduction in contrail for the lowest increase in carbon dioxide emission. Calculations are for western Europe. This paper discusses the variability in contrail formation conditions in the region and presents contrail reductions and carbon dioxide emission increases obtained with this optimised approach, which compare favourably with fixed altitude restrictions. A new method is also developed to estimate contrail fractions within three-dimensional grids. Conclusions discuss potential operational issues associated with a varying altitude restriction policy.

Revue / Journal Title

Transportation research. Part D, Transport and environment   ISSN 1361-9209 

Source / Source

2005, vol. 10, n^o4, pp. 269-280 [12 page(s) (article)]

Langue / Language

Anglais

Editeur / Publisher

Elsevier, Oxford, ROYAUME-UNI  (1996) (Revue)

Mots-clés d'auteur / Author Keywords

Contrail ; Climate change ; Cruise altitude ; Air transport ;

Localisation / Location

INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 26446, 35400013818993.0010