Nuclear war between the US and Russia could plunge Earth into a TEN-YEAR winter in total darkness, scientists warn

A NUCLEAR war between the US and Russia could plunge the Earth into a 10-year winter, scientists have warned.

Fires from ballistic missiles would throw a staggering 147million tonnes of soot and dust into the atmosphere - blocking out sunlight for years.

Experts predict it would take ten years for light to return to normal - with average surface temperatures plummeting by 9C.

Atmospheric scientist Joshua Coup of Rutgers University simulated how the climate would respond to all-out nuclear war.

The team compared their findings to a 2007 study by Nasa - which also predicted a lengthy winter.

They warned: "The models agree that a nuclear winter would follow a large scale nuclear war between the United States and Russia.

"A full-scale nuclear attack would be suicidal for the country which decides to carry out such an attack.

"The use of nuclear weapons in this manner by the United States and Russia would have disastrous consequences globally.

"Ultimately, the reduction of nuclear arsenals and the eventual disarmament of all nuclear capable parties is needed."

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