Aerosol Loading

Aerosol = liquid droplets or particles suspended in the atmosphere

Changing the atmosphere’s chemistry risks creating unexpected tipping points.

Aerosol emissions are masking some of the warming we would otherwise see.

Not one general boundary defined, but a strong case to define sub-boundaries for different types of aerosol

Functions of Aerosol

• Absorb and reflect light
  • Regulate heat balance
• Help condensation
  • Affect cloud formation and rainfall
• Influence atmosphere chemistry

Sources of Aerosol

Natural Sources

• Ocean waves bubble bursting
  • microcrystals of salt ejected in the air
• Fire
• Volacanoes
• Vegetation emits tiny compounds that react in the atmosphere

Human Sources

• Industrial smoke emissions
• Urban emissions
• Land use change and deforestation

Created on: 2021-01-22 Inspired by: Course - Planetary Boundaries Related: Planetary Boundaries