Aerosol - Revision history

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energy>Jmdonev at 18:42, 31 July 2026

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	[[Category:Done ~~2016~~-01~~-15~~]]		[[Category:Done 2026-08-01]]
	[[File:Fly_Ash_FHWA_dot_gov.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. A Scanning Tunnel Microscope image of [[fly ash]], a type of aerosol emitted by the burning of [[coal]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Fly_Ash_FHWA_dot_gov.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:Fly_Ash_FHWA_dot_gov.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. A Scanning Tunnel Microscope image of [[fly ash]], a type of aerosol emitted by the burning of [[coal]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Fly_Ash_FHWA_dot_gov.jpg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Aerosols''' are any small [[liquid]] or [[solid]] particles suspended in the [[atmosphere]], excluding large cloud or [[precipitation]] particles.<ref name=ipcc1/> ~~They are released into the atmosphere by both~~ natural and [[anthropogenic]] sources, and interact with various global systems in complex ways. </onlyinclude>		<onlyinclude>'''Aerosols''' are any small [[liquid]] or [[solid]] particles suspended in the [[atmosphere]], excluding large cloud or [[precipitation]] particles.<ref name=ipcc1/> Both natural and [[anthropogenic]] sources release into the atmosphere and interact with various global systems in complex ways. </onlyinclude>

	Two major interactions of aerosols with the [[environment]] are [[radiative forcing]] (how the particles interact with incoming [[sunlight]]), and '''cloud interactions'''.<ref name=ipcc1>IPCC. (Accessed January 2, 2016). ''Frequently Asked Questions,'' FAQ 7.2, page 31-32 of report, Available: http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_FAQbrochure_FINAL.pdf#25</ref> These interactions impact the global [[climate]] in many ways ~~which will be~~ explored ~~on this page~~.		Two major interactions of aerosols with the [[environment]] are [[radiative forcing]] (which is how the particles interact with incoming [[sunlight]]) and '''cloud interactions'''.<ref name=ipcc1>IPCC. (Accessed January 2, 2016). ''Frequently Asked Questions,'' FAQ 7.2, page 31-32 of report, Available: http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_FAQbrochure_FINAL.pdf#25</ref> These interactions impact the global [[climate]] in many ways, explored below.

	Aerosols vary greatly in size, composition ~~and~~ shape, and ~~their~~ lifespan depends on their location in the atmosphere, lasting anywhere from a couple of weeks up to a year. Examples of natural aerosols include dust, such as from deserts, and volcanic aerosols such as volcanic [[sulfur oxides]]. Anthropogenic aerosols include [[particulate matter]] (PM) such as [[soot]] and [[coal ash]], forms of dust, [[smoke]], and more.<Ref name=nasa1>NASA. (Accessed January 2, 2016). ''Atmospheric Aerosols'' [Online], Available: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/factsheets/Aerosols.html</ref>		Aerosols vary greatly in size, composition, shape, and lifespan; see Figure 1 as an example. Their lifespan depends on their location in the atmosphere, lasting anywhere from a couple of weeks up to a year. Examples of natural aerosols include dust such as from deserts, and volcanic aerosols such as volcanic [[sulfur oxides]]. Anthropogenic aerosols include [[particulate matter]] (PM) such as [[soot]] and [[coal ash]], forms of dust, [[smoke]], and more.<Ref name=nasa1>NASA. (Accessed January 2, 2016). ''Atmospheric Aerosols'' [Online], Available: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/factsheets/Aerosols.html</ref>

	==Climate Effects==		==Climate Effects==
	Overall, models and observational evidence show that aerosols as a whole exert a '''cooling effect''' on the planet ~~- in effect~~ masking some of the [[global warming]] from [[greenhouse gases]] that would otherwise occur in their absence. There is, however, a projected decrease in the [[anthropogenic emissions]] of aerosols due to new [[air quality]] policies, which would eventually unmask this warming.<Ref name=ipcc1/>		Overall, models and observational evidence show that aerosols as a whole exert a '''cooling effect''' on the planet, masking some of the [[global warming]] from [[greenhouse gases]] that would otherwise occur in their absence. There is, however, a projected decrease in the [[anthropogenic emissions]] of aerosols due to new [[air quality]] policies, which would eventually unmask this warming.<Ref name=ipcc1/>

	===Radiation Interactions===		===Radiation Interactions===
	Aerosols interact with [[light]] in two major ways, depending on the specific aerosol one is looking at:<ref name=ipcc1/>		Aerosols interact with [[light]] in two major ways, depending on the specific aerosol one is looking at:<ref name=ipcc1/>

	*'''Scattering light (cooling effect)''' - some aerosols scatter light, which generally makes the planet more reflective. By reflecting light, this means that less [[radiant heat]] reaches the Earth's surface. This is what causes the cooling effect ~~mentioned prior~~.		*'''Scattering light (cooling effect):''' some aerosols scatter light, which generally makes the planet more reflective. By reflecting light, this means that less [[radiant heat]] reaches the Earth's surface. This is what causes the cooling effect.
	*'''Absorbing light (warming effect)''' - other aerosols have the exact opposite effect, in which the absorption of incoming [[radiant energy]] causes a local warming effect. One such aerosol is [[black carbon]], which is the strongest light-absorbing material out of all particulate matter, and can absorb 1 million times more [[energy]] than the same [[mass]] of [[carbon dioxide]].<Ref name=epa4>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (accessed September 26, 2015). ''Black Carbon'' [Online], Available: http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/blackcarbon/basic.html</ref>		*'''Absorbing light (warming effect):''' other aerosols have the exact opposite effect, in which the absorption of incoming [[radiant energy]] causes a local warming effect. One such aerosol is [[black carbon]], which is the strongest light-absorbing material out of all particulate matter, and can absorb 1 million times more [[energy]] than the same [[mass]] of [[carbon dioxide]].<Ref name=epa4>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (accessed September 26, 2015). ''Black Carbon'' [Online], Available: http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/blackcarbon/basic.html</ref>

	These two interactions have a modifying effect on [[Earth's heat balance]]. The balance between these interactions depends on the specific particles and environmental conditions in a given region, and determining their global impact requires satellite data and computer models.<ref name=ipcc1/> Most studies agree that the overall effect from these interactions ~~is to cool~~ the Earth.		These two interactions have a modifying effect on [[Earth's heat balance]]. The balance between these interactions depends on the specific particles and environmental conditions in a given region, and determining their global impact requires satellite data and computer models.<ref name=ipcc1/> Most studies agree that the overall effect from these interactions cools the Earth.

	===Cloud Interactions===		===Cloud Interactions===
	Aerosols serve as a site for cloud droplets and ice particles to form. When there are more aerosols present, clouds tend to have a large amount of tiny particles, which causes these clouds to reflect more solar [[radiation]]. Although modelling and analyzing these systems is difficult, available studies generally indicate that through cloud interactions aerosols increase the overall cooling effect present from their radiation interactions.		Aerosols serve as a site for cloud droplets and ice particles to form. When there are more aerosols present, clouds tend to have a large amount of tiny particles, which causes these clouds to reflect more solar [[radiation]]. Although modelling and analyzing these systems is difficult, available studies generally indicate that, through cloud interactions, aerosols increase the overall cooling effect present from their radiation interactions. Figure 2 below illustrates cloud interactions.

	[[File:cloudform.png\|800px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 2. Cloud nucleation, in which aerosols act as surfaces where water may collect in the atmosphere.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref> ]]		[[File:cloudform.png\|800px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 2. Cloud nucleation, in which aerosols act as surfaces where water may collect in the atmosphere.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref> ]]

			== For Further Reading ==

			* [[Atmosphere]]
			* [[Anthropogenic]]
			* [[Radiative forcing]]
			* [[Particulate matter]]
			* [[Earth's heat balance]]
			* Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
			[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev at 16:28, 25 October 2017

2017-10-25T16:28:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:28, 25 October 2017
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	Aerosols serve as a site for cloud droplets and ice particles to form. When there are more aerosols present, clouds tend to have a large amount of tiny particles, which causes these clouds to reflect more solar [[radiation]]. Although modelling and analyzing these systems is difficult, available studies generally indicate that through cloud interactions aerosols increase the overall cooling effect present from their radiation interactions.		Aerosols serve as a site for cloud droplets and ice particles to form. When there are more aerosols present, clouds tend to have a large amount of tiny particles, which causes these clouds to reflect more solar [[radiation]]. Although modelling and analyzing these systems is difficult, available studies generally indicate that through cloud interactions aerosols increase the overall cooling effect present from their radiation interactions.

	[[File:cloudform.png\|800px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 2. Cloud nucleation, in which aerosols act as surfaces where water may collect in the atmosphere.<ref>Created to internally by a ~~memer~~ of the Energy Education team.</ref> ]]		[[File:cloudform.png\|800px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 2. Cloud nucleation, in which aerosols act as surfaces where water may collect in the atmosphere.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref> ]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2016-02-18T04:31:19Z

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Jmdonev at 06:09, 10 January 2016

2016-01-10T06:09:23Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2016-01-15]]
[[File:Fly_Ash_FHWA_dot_gov.jpg|300px|thumb|Figure 1. A Scanning Tunnel Microscope image of [[fly ash]], a type of aerosol emitted by the burning of [[coal]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Fly_Ash_FHWA_dot_gov.jpg</ref>]]
<onlyinclude>'''Aerosols''' are any small [[liquid]] or [[solid]] particles suspended in the [[atmosphere]], excluding large cloud or [[precipitation]] particles.<ref name=ipcc1/> They are released into the atmosphere by both natural and [[anthropogenic]] sources, and interact with various global systems in complex ways. </onlyinclude>

Two major interactions of aerosols with the [[environment]] are [[radiative forcing]] (how the particles interact with incoming [[sunlight]]), and '''cloud interactions'''.<ref name=ipcc1>IPCC. (Accessed January 2, 2016). ''Frequently Asked Questions,'' FAQ 7.2, page 31-32 of report, Available: http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_FAQbrochure_FINAL.pdf#25</ref> These interactions impact the global [[climate]] in many ways which will be explored on this page.

Aerosols vary greatly in size, composition and shape, and their lifespan depends on their location in the atmosphere, lasting anywhere from a couple of weeks up to a year. Examples of natural aerosols include dust, such as from deserts, and volcanic aerosols such as volcanic [[sulfur oxides]]. Anthropogenic aerosols include [[particulate matter]] (PM) such as [[soot]] and [[coal ash]], forms of dust, [[smoke]], and more.<Ref name=nasa1>NASA. (Accessed January 2, 2016). ''Atmospheric Aerosols'' [Online], Available: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/factsheets/Aerosols.html</ref>

==Climate Effects==
Overall, models and observational evidence show that aerosols as a whole exert a '''cooling effect''' on the planet - in effect masking some of the [[global warming]] from [[greenhouse gases]] that would otherwise occur in their absence. There is, however, a projected decrease in the [[anthropogenic emissions]] of aerosols due to new [[air quality]] policies, which would eventually unmask this warming.<Ref name=ipcc1/>

===Radiation Interactions===
Aerosols interact with [[light]] in two major ways, depending on the specific aerosol one is looking at:<ref name=ipcc1/>

*'''Scattering light (cooling effect)''' - some aerosols scatter light, which generally makes the planet more reflective. By reflecting light, this means that less [[radiant heat]] reaches the Earth's surface. This is what causes the cooling effect mentioned prior.
*'''Absorbing light (warming effect)''' - other aerosols have the exact opposite effect, in which the absorption of incoming [[radiant energy]] causes a local warming effect. One such aerosol is [[black carbon]], which is the strongest light-absorbing material out of all particulate matter, and can absorb 1 million times more [[energy]] than the same [[mass]] of [[carbon dioxide]].<Ref name=epa4>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (accessed September 26, 2015). ''Black Carbon'' [Online], Available: http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/blackcarbon/basic.html</ref>

These two interactions have a modifying effect on [[Earth's heat balance]]. The balance between these interactions depends on the specific particles and environmental conditions in a given region, and determining their global impact requires satellite data and computer models.<ref name=ipcc1/> Most studies agree that the overall effect from these interactions is to cool the Earth.

===Cloud Interactions===
Aerosols serve as a site for cloud droplets and ice particles to form. When there are more aerosols present, clouds tend to have a large amount of tiny particles, which causes these clouds to reflect more solar [[radiation]]. Although modelling and analyzing these systems is difficult, available studies generally indicate that through cloud interactions aerosols increase the overall cooling effect present from their radiation interactions.

[[File:cloudform.png|800px|thumb|center|Figure 2. Cloud nucleation, in which aerosols act as surfaces where water may collect in the atmosphere.<ref>Created to internally by a memer of the Energy Education team.</ref> ]]

==References==
{{reflist}}