Global dimming

Global dimming is a decline in solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface, mainly associated with atmospheric particles and changes in cloud properties.

Aerosol: A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas. Aerosols scatter and absorb sunlight, and can alter the properties of clouds.
Global radiation measurement: Measurement of the total direct and diffuse solar radiation received at a surface. These observations provide the records used to identify changes in surface sunlight.
Pan evaporation: The measured loss of water from an open pan, used as an indicator of evaporative demand. Declining sunlight can help explain falling evaporation rates in some regions.
Global hydrological cycle: The continuous movement of water among the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living things. Reduced solar energy can weaken evaporation and alter the movement of water through this cycle.
Global warming: The long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature, driven mainly by human greenhouse-gas emissions. Warming can continue while dimming reduces sunlight reaching the surface.
Cloud albedo: The fraction of incoming solar radiation reflected by a cloud. Changes in cloud reflectivity can reduce the sunlight reaching the ground.
Martin Wild: A Swiss climatologist known for research on changes in surface solar radiation. His analyses helped establish the timing and regional pattern of dimming and brightening.
Evapotranspiration: The combined transfer of water to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant transpiration. Less incoming solar energy can reduce water loss from soils and vegetation.
Monsoon: A seasonal reversal of winds that produces pronounced wet and dry seasons in many regions. Aerosol-driven changes in sunlight can affect land–sea heating and monsoon circulation.
Solar irradiance: The power of solar radiation received per unit area. Global dimming concerns irradiance at Earth’s surface, not the Sun’s total output.

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