Aerosols are formed through various processes, including chemical reactions, mechanical forces, and biological activities. An international group of researchers has recently documented the first clear evidence of long-hypothesized catalysts involved in aerosol formation. These catalysts, which can be natural or anthropogenic, play a crucial role in initiating and accelerating the chemical reactions that lead to aerosol formation. Understanding these catalysts and their mechanisms can help scientists develop more effective strategies for controlling aerosol emissions and mitigating their impacts.
Aerosols and Climate Change: The Masking Effect
Aerosols have a significant influence on the Earth’s climate system. They can affect cloud formation, the Earth’s radiation balance, and thus the climate. For instance, sulphate aerosols, which are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels, can cool the planet by reflecting sunlight back into space. This phenomenon, known as the “masking effect,” has been a known challenge for some time, as emissions from greenhouse gases and air pollution both warm and cool the atmosphere simultaneously.