Knowra Atmospheric aerosol Atmospheric aerosol An atmospheric aerosol is a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets in air. Its particles range from natural dust, sea salt, and smoke to human-made pollution.
Nucleation : The formation of a new phase through the initial clustering of molecules or atoms. Vapor molecules can cluster into new particles, initiating aerosol formation.
Cloud condensation nuclei : Airborne particles on which water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets. Many cloud droplets begin on aerosol particles, linking aerosols to cloud properties.
Aerosol particle size : The diameter or size distribution of particles suspended in air. Size determines how aerosols scatter light, enter the lungs, and remain airborne.
Greenhouse gas : A gas that absorbs and emits infrared radiation, affecting Earth's energy balance. Unlike aerosols, greenhouse gases are molecular gases that generally warm the climate.
Particulate air pollution : Air pollution caused by suspended particles that can harm health and the environment. Many harmful air-pollution episodes are dominated by atmospheric aerosols.
Gas-to-particle conversion : The transformation of gaseous compounds into particulate matter through chemical reactions or condensation. It turns atmospheric vapors into particles that can grow into aerosols.
Aerosol–cloud interactions : The effects of atmospheric particles on cloud formation, properties, and persistence. Aerosol changes can alter cloud brightness, lifetime, and precipitation.
Aerosol composition : The chemical and material constituents of airborne particles and droplets. Composition controls aerosol toxicity, water uptake, and optical behavior.
Ozone : A gas composed of three oxygen atoms, found in both the stratosphere and near Earth's surface. Ozone is a gaseous pollutant, whereas aerosols are suspended particles or droplets.
Fine particulate matter : Airborne particles with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less. Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and are closely monitored.
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