Dust from Alaska is particularly effective at forming ice crystals because it contains biological components, researchers believe. The finding has implications for cloud physics and our planet’s climate.
aerosols & particles
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Volcanoes’ Future Climate Effects May Exceed Standard Estimates
Future releases of sulfur dioxide from volcanoes will likely be higher than the reconstructed historical levels currently used for climate predictions.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Simulating the Journey of Pollen in the Atmosphere
A new study couples an emission and transport scheme of pollen from vegetation, and explores pollen’s evolution in different atmospheric conditions and its impacts on clouds and precipitation.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
A New Perspective on Aerosols and Emissions Over Northern China
During 2013-2019, a distinct seasonality for trends of aerosol concentrations and optical properties was found over Northern China.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Reducing Aerosol Climate-Forcing Uncertainty: A Three-Way Street
To reduce persistent aerosol-climate-forcing uncertainty, new in situ aerosol and cloud measurement programs are needed, plus much better integration of satellite and suborbital measurements with models.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Danger in the Dust! The Hazards of Windblown Dust
Airborne dust not only causes disease, it also menaces transportation on land, sea, and air; disrupts renewable energy systems; transports pathogens and toxic substances; and poses many other hazards.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Fine-Tuning Air Pollution Models
InMAP estimates air pollution within cities, but its predictions are flawed for specific chemicals. Now, scientists are addressing that shortcoming.
Posted inNews
EPA Air Pollution Proposal Stirs Debate
The agency’s proposal to tighten standards for small-particulate pollution has prompted opposing calls for tighter and looser regulations.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Collaboration Helps Overcome Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring
Everything looks ideal for collaboration: interest from community members, a new method for monitoring air quality by scientists, and interest from policymakers. What happens next?
Posted inNews
Wildfire Smoke Destroys Ozone
Smoke aerosols from large wildfires are the perfect reaction surface for chlorine chemicals, speeding their transformation from ozone-friendly forms to reactive ones.