Articles tagged with Atmospheric Aerosols
Researchers from Colorado State University found that tiny particles bubbling up from melting sea ice in the Arctic sky can create clouds, providing a platform for water vapor to freeze onto. This discovery sheds light on why Arctic clouds behave differently and could help improve weather modeling and climate change predictions.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers found that diamond dust is not suitable for strategic stratospheric aerosol injection due to its effects on acid rain, ozone layer degradation and human health. The study's results reduce the viability of using a 'diamond shield' to cool the planet.
Researchers conducted the SANAT flight campaign to study aerosols' role in cloud formation in Antarctica. They collected extensive data on aerosol frequency, transport processes, and chemical composition, revealing an unexpectedly high aerosol concentration in the interior.
Researchers found clouds in North Atlantic region formed with fewer, larger droplets, yet remained unchanged in reflectivity; overall water content increased to maintain balance.
A recent study found that organic matter carried from rivers into the Arctic Ocean creates more clouds and keeps the region cooler. Aerosol particles formed by this biological matter act as 'seeds' for cloud formation, increasing their ability to form bright, long-lasting clouds.
New research published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics reveals that cleaner fuels have reduced ship emissions' influence on cloud formation, helping refine global climate models. The study found a 67% decrease in cloud-altering abilities after the IMO regulations went into effect.
A new study suggests that stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI) could decrease the protein content of major crops like maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans. SAI would involve releasing sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere to cool the planet, but this could have unintended consequences on global food security.
Researchers found that strong wave breaking along shorelines produces significant amounts of sea spray aerosols, increasing cloud condensation nuclei and aerosol mass concentration. This can lead to gross overestimations of sea spray aerosols in open oceans using coastal measurements.
A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.
A new study reveals that pollutants from the Tijuana River are transmitted to both water and air through coastal aerosols, affecting public health and environment. The study found high levels of illicit drugs, personal care products, and chemicals in aerosols, posing risks to residents living near the border.
Measuring ammonia concentration near an Adelie penguin colony found increased levels when wind blew from the colony, suggesting a connection between penguin guano and climate change mitigation. The study suggests that penguin guano may help reduce the effects of climate change on Antarctica by contributing to increased cloud formation.
Researchers found four types of aircraft engine exhaust particles, including soot, volatile particles, and onion-like structures. The onion-like particles are composed of organic compounds and have unique internal structures that may affect their volatility and interaction with the human respiratory tract.
Yafang Cheng's research on atmospheric aerosols has brought fundamental insights and impactful public outreach, addressing grand challenges of global change. The Copernicus Gesellschaft e.V. recognizes her innovative work, promoting international collaboration in the geosciences.
New Delhi's air pollution is more severe than previously estimated, with particles absorbing atmospheric water vapor leading to significant underestimation of particulate matter levels. The study highlights the importance of considering hygroscopic growth and its impact on air quality assessments.
A team of scientists has discovered that some key hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) decompose into persistent greenhouse gas pollutants, including compounds banned internationally. The chemicals are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and in foamed plastics.
The National Natural Science Foundation of China funded 76 projects to study air pollution complex, achieving significant advances. Research focuses on instrument development, modeling studies, and understanding the impact of heterogeneous processes on haze chemistry.
A recent study reveals a significant long-term decline in downward surface solar radiation globally, with significant decadal variations observed over land. The research highlights the role of water vapor in DSSR changes, which was previously overlooked, and shows that future DSSR changes will depend heavily on emission scenarios.
A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
A recent study found that biomass burning products are toxic to human lung cells, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. The research emphasizes the need for extended air quality networks across the European Union to monitor key biomass burning markers.
Researchers found that particles can absorb substantially more water than previously thought, potentially extending their time in the atmosphere. This changes how long particles remain suspended in the air and affects strategies for controlling air pollution.
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
A recent study published in Nature found that isoprene, a naturally occurring organic compound emitted by vegetation, significantly contributes to the formation of new particles in the upper troposphere. Isoprene oxygenated organic molecules can rapidly form new particles under certain conditions.
A recent study reveals that oceans produce a previously unknown sulfur gas called methanethiol, which cools the climate by increasing aerosol formation and reflecting solar radiation. This new compound is found to have a greater cooling capacity than dimethyl sulphide and its impact on climate models.
A research team found that rainfall in the Amazon rainforest creates temporary bursts of nanoparticles that can grow into cloud condensation nuclei, essential for water vapor to condense and form clouds. This new understanding challenges previous theories on aerosol particles and their role in precipitation formation.
A study links droughts in Southern Africa to a massive plankton bloom off Madagascar's southeast coast. Climate warming intensified the dust particles carried by wind, which acted as fertilizer in seawater, creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth.
A recent study reveals that NASA's PACE satellite can accurately measure aerosol layer height over ocean surfaces. The use of oxygen A and B bands provides valuable data for refining aerosol monitoring, improving atmospheric corrections and enhancing our understanding of aerosol behavior.
A recent study found that human-made secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) contribute up to 53% of total SOA levels today, a significant increase from preindustrial times. This dramatic change is crucial to understanding the environmental impact of human activities on air quality and climate change.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a new mechanism that produces a significant amount of particles in the Earth's atmosphere, which could impact climate change and weather patterns. The discovery suggests that stratospheric air intrusions play a crucial role in forming these particles.
A modelling study found substantial reductions in atmospheric aerosols and cloud droplet number density after the IMO 2020 regulation reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel. This led to an estimated 80% increase in Earth's heat energy retained, equivalent to a significant radiative warming effect.
The study reveals sulfur trioxide can form acid sulfuric anhydride products with organic and inorganic acids, contributing to atmospheric new particle formation. These findings improve aerosol formation prediction models, aiding in managing air pollution and mitigating climate change impacts.
Researchers developed a high-resolution lidar technique that can measure cloud droplet number concentrations remotely. The device provides unprecedented fine-scale structure at the base of clouds, enabling scientists to gain insight into aerosol-cloud interactions and their impact on climate.
A study modeling Siberian wildfires' effects found significant impacts on air quality, climate, health, and economies in East Asia. The research suggests a cooling effect globally and worsened air quality in downwind regions.
Scientists find that increased Asian aerosol emissions slow the AMOC's movements, reducing solar heating and cooling the Earth's climate. Reducing these emissions can help stabilize the AMOC, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
Plants capture more carbon on weekends when industrial production decreases and fewer people commute, finding similar patterns during COVID-19 lockdowns. This improvement in air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change.
A new 'whipping jet' aerosol sprayer can precisely control how aerosols move, a crucial aspect of various industries. The technology has potential applications in pharmaceutical sciences, climate research, automotive, food processing, and carbon capture.
Researchers developed a general workflow to simulate atmospheric aerosol nucleation using the full ab initio method. They used active learning techniques and deep network-based force fields to attain comprehensive data sets and better understand the mechanisms of aerosol nucleation.
A new study has resolved the first molecular steps of particle formation from iodine emissions, a crucial process in atmospheric secondary particles. The research team found that iodine plays a significant role in forming clouds, providing a key piece in understanding the changing atmosphere.
A new study reveals that large parts of Europe are experiencing faster-than-average warming during summer months, leading to worse heatwaves and an increased risk of fires. The climate across the continent has also become drier, particularly in southern Europe.
A study found atmospheric aerosol concentrations decreasing in Europe since 2000, but ground measurements and climate models show differing trends. The greatest differences were found in particle size, which affects cloud formation.
A new study shows that precipitation events decrease atmospheric aerosol concentrations, particularly sulphate, in boreal forest environments. The researchers found significant formation of sulphate mass in non-precipitating clouds, which can improve the accuracy of climate models estimating aerosol transport.
Research by University of Washington reveals that ice shards in Southern Ocean clouds increase the amount of sunlight absorbed by the ocean's surface. The study found a significant impact on temperature, with differences of 10 Watts per square meter between models including and excluding ice formation.
Researchers detected 43 trillion miniature plastic particles in Switzerland every year, with estimates suggesting up to 3,000 tonnes of nanoplastics covering the country annually. The study reveals that nanoplastics originate primarily from urban areas and global emissions, posing potential health risks when inhaled.
A comprehensive review finds that many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and measles, can spread through airborne transmission via aerosols. The study's findings suggest that indoor air quality and ventilation play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of infectious virus-laden aerosols.
Research using satellite observations and air mass trajectory modeling reveals that aerosols can extend cloud lifetime and brightness in the stratus-to-cumulus transition zone. This can lead to reduced planetary warming by reflecting more solar radiation back into space.
Researchers at a high-altitude research station in Switzerland used state-of-the-art instruments to study new particle formation and its role as cloud condensation nuclei. They found that highly oxygenated organic compounds contribute to nucleation for a short window after vertical transport from the planetary boundary layer.
Researchers from Spain and Portugal analyzed desert aerosols' radiative effect on the Earth's surface, finding that Sahara Desert dust caused cooling in August 2012. The team also discovered that anthropogenic pollution exacerbated this effect, leading to greater radiative cooling in both Évora and Badajoz.
Researchers have developed a method to measure nanoparticles as small as 1 nm in diameter using the Particle Size Magnifier (PSM) instrument. The study reveals that sulphuric acid, amines, and oxygenated organics are necessary for nanoparticle growth.
Researchers discovered that OH radicals significantly influence organic aerosols' mass and composition, leading to changes in concentration and characteristics. This finding necessitates updates to regional and global climate models.
A Spanish research team characterized the climatic impact of desert dust using a new Lidar technique. The scientists, led by Professor Lucas Alados Arboledas and Juan Luis Guerrero Rascado, found that atmospheric aerosol influences Earth's radioactive balance, potentially leading to warming or cooling.
Scientists from around the world collaborated to develop improved atmospheric aerosol models for predicting infrared propagation in coastal environments. The project aims to enhance sensor accuracy for detecting incoming threats such as missiles and submarine periscopes.