Research Competition for the Grandes Écoles (TIPE)

Context

Multidisciplinary research project conducted over three semesters. Presented in a highly selective oral exam in Paris, following national written selection.

Goals

I chose to study a geoengineering project^1,2, focusing on the injection of calcite-based aerosols into the stratosphere to counteract global warming.

Approach

Impact on Earth’s reflectivity, molecular physico-chemistry, calcite and ozone-layer protection, limitations of such a practice.

Results

Low reflectance for ultraviolet rays, high reflectance for visible and infrared rays, birefringence of rhombohedral calcite crystals, approximate albedo of 0.7. Experimental demonstration of the neutralizing effect of calcite on halogen compounds, providing protection for the ozone layer. Very low yield of this reaction, particle stability compromised by the temperature gradient in the stratosphere, viability also poses limitations.