Aerosol Loading

Aerosol = liquid droplets or particles suspended in the atmosphere

Changing the atmosphere’s chemistry risks creating unexpected tipping points

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