Publisher's Synopsis
SCOPE 28 is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary appraisal of current scientific knowledge of the possible environmental consequences of a nuclear war. Leading scientists present a consensus as to the effects on climate, ecosystems and food supply which might follow a major nuclear exchange.;The authors assess the likely magnitude of changes in sunlight, temperature, precipitation, atmospheric chemistry, ionizing radiation, ultra-violet radiation, plant and animal growth and resultant agricultural productivity. The delicate ecological balance of the globe and the likely points of environmental disruption are considered purely in terms of their vulnerability to this particular threat.;Volume One reviews the existing nuclear arsenals, and selected nuclear war scenarios. From the immediate effects - blast, heat, radiation and emp, the emphasis switches to smoke, dust and fallout. The changes and alterations to the current chemical balance of the atmosphere which may result allow assessment of meteorological and climate changes.