New observations and understanding of stratospheric particles are crucial for evaluating their role in climate change.
aerosols & particles
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A Decade of Progress in Stratospheric Aerosol Research
Enhanced technology and chemistry-climate models have advanced our understanding of the sources and processes controlling the evolution of the stratospheric aerosol layer, the so-called Junge layer.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
The High Cost of Switching Power Sources
Researchers construct a world where nuclear energy everywhere is replaced with coal, with stark consequences for human health and the environment.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Fewer Tropical Cyclones Form After Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions aren't all bad—in some cases, they can lower the frequency of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic by emitting sulfate aerosols.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Detecting Black Carbon in the Arctic Atmosphere
Measurements of light-absorbing carbon particles made during an Arctic research expedition could improve understanding of their effects on the Arctic climate.
Posted inScience Updates
Mexico's University Network of Atmospheric Observatories
Increasing cooperation in Mexico benefits climatologists, meteorologists, and science as a whole.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Aerosols Make Cumulus Clouds Brighter but Shorter Lived
Computer simulations show that although adding aerosol particles to clouds can make them more reflective, the cooling effect from clouds is largely counterbalanced by a reduction in overall cloud cover.
Posted inNews
Mercury in Rain Increasing in Western and Central United States
Despite tightening emissions rules, mercury concentrations are rising in rainfall wetting western and central regions of the United States. The pollutant may waft in from Asia, scientists speculate.
Posted inNews
Human-Made Fires Pollute Air with Ozone Half a World Away
Fires in Africa and Southeast Asia contributed to western Pacific pollution, a study finds. Prior understanding attributed hefty levels of the harmful agent and greenhouse gas to natural processes.
Posted inNews
Human Activities Account for Less Than a Third of Ocean Nitrogen
Researchers found that humans contribute far less nitrogen to the open ocean than previously thought.