Atmospheric sulfate particles reduced, but as acidic as ever
When acidic materials are spilled, the clean-up procedure involves adding a base chemical to neutralize the acid. Up to a point, the more base added, the more neutral and less toxic the spill becomes.
View ArticleScientists more accurately model the formation and growth of tiny particles...
Tiny atmospheric aerosols are some of the most highly studied particles connected with Planet Earth, yet questions remain on how they are formed and how they affect climate. Now Pacific Northwest...
View ArticleNew model technique, specific to carbon-containing aerosol particles,...
Two heads are often better than one, and a fourth mode is better than three when it comes to models of complex atmospheric particles.
View ArticleEuropean clean air policies unmask Arctic warming by greenhouse gases
The drastic cut in sulfate particle emissions in Europe partly explains the amplified Arctic warming since the 1980s, shows a new study published in Nature Geoscience.
View ArticleSticky particles don't succumb to sunlight, an insight that could help refine...
In an unexpected twist, an atmospheric particle's stickiness protects it from sunlight when the air is cool and dry. The particle's sticky nature, or viscosity, slows down the motion of molecules...
View ArticleResearchers find new mechanism to explain the birth of cloud droplets
There is enough known about cloud formation that replicating its mechanism has become a staple of the school science project scene. But a new study by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's...
View ArticleMethod fills gaps in monsoon understanding
Dwindling monsoon rain is a big deal for millions in East Asia who rely on the storms for their yearly water supply. Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory uncovered some culprits most...
View ArticleScientists discuss complexities of studying tiny particles that have a big...
Art Sedlacek, an atmospheric scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, has gone to extreme lengths to study aerosols—tiny particles emitted from factories, forest...
View ArticleBeijing's growing urban area spells rain change for region
More cars, factories, heat, and pollution—these are some of the consequences of urbanization. Atmospheric researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that the impact of urbanization...
View ArticleAtmospheric aerosols can significantly cool down climate
It is possible to significantly slow down and even temporarily stop the progression of global warming by increasing the atmospheric aerosol concentration, shows a new study from the University of...
View ArticleMultiple factors influence how a natural chemical is caught in the haze over...
You've seen it when flying into major cities the world over: a haze over the city. It is caused by aerosol particles, but scientists don't know all the details of the complex chemistry involved. At...
View ArticleDiscovery of alternative photochemistry on water surfaces
Fatty acids found on the surface of water droplets react with sunlight to form organic molecules, essentially uncovering a previously unknown form of photolysis.
View ArticleStudy reveals surprising role of haze in the warming of Chinese cities
A new Yale-led study published in the journal Nature Communications sheds light on the surprising role that haze in China plays in promoting the urban heat island effect [UHI], a process whereby city...
View ArticleSemi-volatile organic compounds diffuse between atmospheric particles
Researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University's Neil M. Donahue have shown that semi-volatile organic compounds can readily diffuse into the billions of tiny atmospheric particles that inhabit the air,...
View ArticleResearchers uncover the origin of atmospheric particles
In a study led by the University of Leeds, scientists have solved one of the most challenging and long-standing problems in atmospheric science: to understand how particles are formed in the atmosphere.
View ArticleStudy reveals how particles that seed clouds in the Amazon are produced
A study published in the journal Nature solves a mystery that has puzzled scientists for over a decade: the origin of the atmospheric aerosols that contribute to cloud formation above the Amazon...
View ArticleBirds flying through laser light reveal faults in flight research
The protective goggles are tight, the chin strap secure. Conditions are calm and the lasers are ready; the air is infused with tiny aerosol particles that are primed to scatter and track at the...
View ArticleStudy finds a link between drought and air quality in the western wilderness
Many people head to the mountains in the summer to get above the haze of the cities and valleys. A new study finds that the haze could be catching up.
View ArticleExploring ocean waters to characterize atmospheric aerosols
Aerosols are collections of fine particles, either biological or of other types, suspended in a gaseous medium. They play a major role in cloud formation and therefore have a strong impact on climate...
View ArticleAromatic pollutants emitted during combustion and wood burning contribute to...
Aerosol particles suspended in the air of urban environments typically reduce visibility, interact with sunlight by scattering and absorbing radiation, and lower air quality. In addition, these tiny...
View ArticleOrganic films from atmospheric aerosol and sea water
Tiny particles in the air known as aerosols play an important role in cloud formation, which in turn has an impact on our planet's climate. However to date the effect of aerosols on cloud formation...
View ArticleResearchers devise a new way to examine the movement of low-energy electrons
The scientific community has known about the existence of electrons for over a hundred years, but there are important facets of their interaction with matter that remain shrouded in mystery. One...
View ArticleSea spray losing its sparkle?
Atmospheric aerosols are tiny particles that scatter and absorb sunlight but also influence climate indirectly through their role in cloud formation. One of the largest sources of aerosols is sea spray...
View ArticleCould spraying particles into marine clouds help cool the planet?
The idea of geoengineering, also known as climate engineering, is very controversial. But as greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in our atmosphere, scientists are beginning to look at possible...
View ArticleA more complete picture of the nano world
They may be tiny and invisible, says Xiaoji Xu, but the aerosol particles suspended in gases play a role in cloud formation and environmental pollution and can be detrimental to human health.
View ArticleGlobal warming doesn't stop when the emissions stop
Our climate is out of balance: Increasing accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere has caused the Earth's temperature to increase by 0.8° C since the beginning of the industrial revolution. According to a...
View ArticleResearchers identify free-flowing aerosol particles using holograms, lasers
Holographic images of free-flowing air particles may help climate change and biological weapons watchdogs better monitor the atmosphere, according to a recent Kansas State University study.
View ArticleHow to see the atmosphere
How can you see the atmosphere? The answer is blowing in the wind. Tiny particles, known as aerosols, are carried by winds around the globe. This visualization uses data from NASA satellites combined...
View ArticleResearcher investigates reflectivity of atmospheric aerosols
Jon Thompson seeks to discover how the composition and morphology of particles affects their ability to absorb or reflect light, thus warming or cooling the climate.
View ArticleFrequent growth events and fast growth rates of fine aerosol particles in...
Serious environmental problems have arisen alongside the rapid economic development of China, including the well-known issue of haze pollution. Not only does haze bring low atmospheric visibility,...
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