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Chapter 4: Problem 9

In what way does the presence of sulfate aerosols affect solar radiation received at ground level? How does it affect cloud formation?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Presence of sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere reduces the amount of solar radiation received at ground level via scattering and absorption and they promote the formation of high albedo and longer lasting clouds, which further reduce solar radiation reaching the ground.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the impact of sulfate aerosols on solar radiation

Firstly, understand that when sulfate aerosols are present in the atmosphere, they scatter and absorb the sunlight. Scattering is the process where light is forced to deviate from a straight trajectory by one or more localised non-uniformities in the medium through which they pass. The sulfate aerosols increase the atmosphere's albedo, which is the proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface. This in effect reduces the amount of solar radiation received at ground level. Sulfate aerosols can also absorb certain wavelengths of light, turning them into heat and thereby warming the atmosphere.
02

The influence of sulfate aerosols on cloud formation

Next, understand that sulfate aerosols play a significant role in cloud formation. Aerosols can act as 'cloud condensation nuclei', which means water vapour condenses onto them to form cloud droplets. High amounts of these aerosols can result in a larger number of smaller droplets, which increases cloud albedo and longevity (decreasing the solar radiation reaching the ground), a principle known as the 'Twomey effect'.
03

Summarize the overall impact of sulfate aerosols

In conclusion, it is understood that sulfate aerosols both reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground through scattering and absorption, and influence cloud formation by acting as cloud condensation nuclei, thus promoting high albedo and long-lasting clouds which also reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground.

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