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.
aerosols & particles
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.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Aerosols May Play a Big Part in Atmospheric Absorption
A new study shows that aerosols have a strong impact on the reflectivity of the Earth's atmosphere, absorbing more solar radiation within the atmospheric layers than previously thought.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Aerosol Cutbacks May Bring Tropical Rains Farther North
Lower anthropogenic aerosol emissions in the 21st century may lead to warming that drives the Intertropical Convergence Zone northward.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
To Help Fix the Hole in the Ozone Layer, Just Add Ice
Computer simulations show that adding tiny droplets of ice to the atmosphere during the spring could help eliminate chlorofluorocarbons and repair the hole in the ozone layer.