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Properties of Aerosols

Aerosols are produced in a variety of different settings ranging from the desert to the forest to the urban landscape. Aerosol properties can be studied in relation to size, chemical composition, environmental impact as well as other criteria. In the end, the production of aerosols presents a significant challenge to the proper functioning of the Earth's atmosphere, the quality of human health and the management of humankind's ecological practices.

  1. What are Aerosols?

    • Aerosols can be created through the use of either solid or liquid materials. They can be described as suspensions of those products that linger in the air after the use of that material. The great majority of aerosols found on this planet are derived from nature. However, it is man-made or anthropogenic aerosols that often present problems. Three principal sources of aerosols include haze, dust and smoke. Other specific aerosol species include nitrate, sulfate, black carbon and sea salt.

    Absorbant Properties

    • One of the fundamental properties of aerosols is their capacity to absorb energy. Aerosols are found primarily in the atmosphere so they lie in the path of both incoming solar radiation as well as outgoing thermal infrared radiation. The aerosols can trap each of these thus blocking critical warmth from reaching the earth's surface in addition to raising atmospheric heat through the retention of the radiation. This is one of the most critical methods through which aerosols may ultimately contribute to undesirable climate change.

    Size & Characteristics

    • According to NASA Earth Observatory, the standard size of an aerosol is about the diameter of a single human hair. Other designations for aerosols include particulate matter and nano-particles, depending on the user and the context. Scientists typically lump aerosols into one of three general categories regarding shape; fine, coarse and ultra-fine. As mentioned above, aerosols can have a number of different chemical properties including either isolations or mixtures of carbon, nitrate, sulfate, ash, soot and mineral dust. Many sulfate aerosols are the result of water vapor coming in contact with the sulfur dioxide resulting from fossil fuel emissions and/or combustion.

    Human Practices

    • The proliferation of aerosols in the atmosphere is in large part due to aggressive practices perpetuated by human beings. This is not limited to the widespread use of fuel combustion vehicles throughout the world. Factories that create smoke and ash as well as smelting sites are prime culprits. Additionally, processes such as deforestation or "overgrazing" contribute to heightened aerosol yields in the environment. Tobacco smoking and fireplaces also add to the production of aerosols.

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