2007-03-08 11:01:44 · 16 answers · asked by Brian D 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
this blog has a detailed description of contrails: http://privatejetcharter.spaces.live.com/
2007-03-10 02:39:29 · answer #1 · answered by PriJet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The contrails are just ice crystals formed by the hot engine exhaust mixing with the subzero atmosphere at high altitude. During World War 2 even the prop driven bombers left them for the same reason. There are wacko's out there trying to say it's a government conspiracy and that they are "seeding" the atmosphere. It's just the rantings of people who have nothing better to do with their lives. This phenomenon has been happening ever since planes were able to make it to several miles high.
2007-03-08 11:22:45 · answer #2 · answered by nick_nunya2003 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At approximately 30,000 feet, it is 40 degrees below zero.
You know when you walk outside on a cold day and you can see your breath?
It's the same thing.
The jet engines are bellowing out some fast and hot air; and alot of it; along with some thoroughly burned jet fuel (refined kerosene).
In Science, You probably learned that warmer air holds more water than cooler air?
So when that hot air cools rapidly, you get condensation in the form of ice crystals at that altitude. It's nothing more than making clouds (with a little exhaust).
2007-03-08 16:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by GARY G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air at high altitudes is in low temperatures, as It pass through the engine It becomes hot and when It goes out the temperature of the air drops rapidly so It is condensed and becomes a cloud.
2007-03-09 01:10:19 · answer #4 · answered by Entenda a História 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
those are called contrails. its just like the exhaust fron a car only not a hazardoes. its a combination of water vapor and somethng else. but it is harmful to the air and ozone layer. they are making new jet engines to eliminate this problem.
2007-03-09 04:18:14 · answer #5 · answered by Riddles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contrails may harm the environment. No one is really sure.
During the day they make the earth a little cooler by reflecting light. And they make the atmosphere retain heat at night. Like a cloud cover does.
Some have called for daytime flights only for airliners. Like that will ever happen.
2007-03-08 12:41:27 · answer #6 · answered by Mere Mortal 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
this is called a condesation trail, the vapor trail that comes from the back of a jet engine because of it's exhaust, and no, it is not dangerous... the same principle applies when exhaust comes out of your car, or when you breathe out on a cold day...
2007-03-09 16:10:26 · answer #7 · answered by mcdonaldcj 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a contrail. basically the same thing that a car does in the winter but (a) on a much larger scale (b) with water vaper and (c) isn't harmful. but the same idea of hot meeting cold and making a "cloud" or vaper.
2007-03-08 11:24:35 · answer #8 · answered by Tyler 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
'IT IS ONLY ICE PARTICLES FROM THE EXHAUST,TRUE THERE IS SOME UNBURNED FUEL IN THE EXHAUST BUT IT IS NOT HARMFUL TO ANYONE.ITS JUST LIKE A CAR ON A VERY COLD MORNING WHEN YOU SEE THE "SMOKE""FROM THE EXHAUST.THIS IS NOT SMOKE BUT VAPOR COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE AS THE AIR IS COMPRESSED AND RELEASED IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS,.IT IS EXTREMELY COLD UP WHERE THE PLANES ARE FLYING AND IT FREEZES RIGHT AWAY AS ICE CHRISTAL'S, THE JURY IS STILL OUT ON WHETHER IT IS HARMFUL AND A CONTRIBUTOR TO GLOBAL WARMING.ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
2007-03-08 11:22:53 · answer #9 · answered by jack y 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no is not even a smoke is the heated air from engines that cools of in a frozen environment
2007-03-08 14:25:30 · answer #10 · answered by eviot44 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋