Atmospheric corrosion of metals in 2010–2039 and 2070–2099

Climatic parameters and pollution data from the 6FP NOAHs ARK project ‘Global Climate Change Impact on Built Heritage and Cultural Landscapes’ together with chloride deposition data have been used to predict atmospheric corrosion of metals in 2010–2039 and 2070–2099. Maps of carbon steel and zinc show that future atmospheric corrosion of metals in Europe are dominated by the effects of chloride deposition in coastal and near-coastal areas. The change can in extreme cases be as high as one corrosivity category and in coastal areas of southern Europe corrosion can be higher than the highest values experienced today in Europe.

► We predict atmospheric corrosion of metals in 2010–2039 and 2070–2099. ► Inland corrosion low or medium depending on pollution level. ► Coastal corrosion high or very high depending on temperature and chloride deposition. ► Coastal corrosion in southern Europe higher than the highest values of today.