Tens of thousands of ship tracks—cloud structures created when ships’ exhaust plumes interact with the atmosphere—are pinpointed automatically, furthering study of these climate-altering features.
aerosols & particles
Posted inNews
Contrails’ Climate Impact Could Triple by 2050
Contrail cirrus clouds have warmed the atmosphere more than all the carbon dioxide from planes since the dawn of aviation and will do so even more in the future.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Fading Air Pollution Reduces Fog in Central Valley
The tule fog in California’s Central Valley is notorious for causing delays and accidents throughout the region; however, a decrease in air pollutants is reducing the fog’s frequency.
Posted inEditors' Vox
The Diversity and Complexity of Atmospheric Aerosol
The variability in composition of individual aerosol particles and the way in which they mix in the atmosphere is complex and has significant impacts on Earth’s climate.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Household Cooking and Heating Affect Health and Climate in China
Black and organic particle emissions have significant impacts on both health and climate, and household cooking and heating activities may contribute substantially to these impacts in China.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A New Look at Winter Air Quality in the Northeastern U.S.
Past studies underestimated a major pollution source, particularly in rural areas.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Previous Research Has Underestimated Black Carbon Emissions
New observational constraints suggest that U.S. emissions of this heat-absorbing aerosol were 80% higher during the late 20th century than prior estimates have indicated.
Posted inNews
Wildfire Particulates Raise Cardiopulmonary Health Concerns
New research reveals that exposure to smoky air and the particulates created in wildfires can cause increased cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations for people 65 and older.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Probing Wildfire Smoke Plumes Up Close
Direct observations from flights over coastal California reveal more about aerosol plumes released by burning biomass.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Aerosol Particle Size May Contribute to Varying Health Responses
Particulate matter in the atmosphere derives from industrial and environmental sources. The size of the particle determines how it deposits in the body and leads to different health challenges.