Where to now? A synthesis of current views of the CLAW hypothesis

Jill M. Cainey; Herman Sievering; Greg P. Ayers

doi:10.1071/EN07082

RESEARCH FRONT

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Where to now? A synthesis of current views of the CLAW hypothesis

Jill M. Cainey ^A ^D , Herman Sievering ^B and Greg P. Ayers ^C

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station, Bureau of Meteorology, Smithton, Tas. 7330, Australia.

^B INSTAAR-an Earth & Environmental System Science Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.

^C CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Aspendale, Vic. 3195, Australia.

^D Corresponding author. Email: J.Cainey@bom.gov.au

Environmental Chemistry 4(6) 406-409 https://doi.org/10.1071/EN07082
Submitted: 1 November 2007 Accepted: 12 November 2007 Published: 6 December 2007

Abstract. The CLAW hypothesis was published 20 years ago, building on suggestions that the sulfur cycle provided a natural feedback mechanism whereby plankton in the ocean had a role in modifying climate by providing the precursors for cloud condensation nuclei, which leads to the formation of high albedo clouds.

In this issue, the 10 preceding articles represent the opinions of several leading scientists working on various aspects of the CLAW hypothesis and here we synthesise these varied opinions to answer the questions: Does the CLAW hypothesis operate as described in the original 1987 publication? and What steps and advances are needed to better understand CLAW and resolve any outstanding areas of difficulty?

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Where to now? A synthesis of current views of the CLAW hypothesis

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