Contrails Contribute To Global Warming

May 31st, 2008 - Contrails Over Springfield, Illinois

Airliners are allowed to fly in much closer air routes than ever before. The photograph above shows a series of parallel contrails running north and south over Springfield, Illinois. These contrails have already spread out to form strings of narrow clouds. It is possible that these contrails were formed by aircraft flying between Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis Missouri.


May 31st, 2008 - Contrails Form Clouds Over Springfield, Illinois

The photograph above illustrates how string like clouds formed from contrails spread out eventually forming larger clouds which create overcast over large areas. The airline industry has changed precipitation patterns as well as contributed to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.


Springfield, Illinois: Contrails Created Overcast On An Otherwise Cloud Free Day

Contrails were the cause of nearly all cloud overcast on what would have been a cloud free day in Springfield, Illinois. As temperatures begin to rise during summer months the contrail effect created by the aviation industry will cost U.S. households millions of dollars in electric bills by increasing air conditioning cost.


Think It's No Big Deal?


NASA has an excellent description, with satellite photos, of how contrails form clouds and contribute to global warming here.