Aerosols
A section of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433).
Section Information
Aerosol particles play a central role in the composition and radiation budget of the atmosphere. The aerosol distribution on global and regional scales is dependent on emission, chemical processing, removal and horizontal–vertical transport, and may significantly affect the local and regional air quality. A variety of measurement techniques and numerical modeling tools is used to study the aerosol spatial distribution and its effects on atmospheric composition and radiative transfer. The latter take place through a number of processes, from direct scattering and absorption of solar and planetary radiation to indirect effects related to the formation of cloud droplets and ice particles in the troposphere, or even in the stratospheric polar vortices. Other effects may play a substantial role in the atmospheric radiative transfer, for example, the aerosol deposition feedback on the albedo of snow/ice covered surfaces or the influence on atmospheric stability due to the absorption of radiation. A reliable estimate of the direct radiative effects can be reached if a good knowledge of the vertical distribution of the particles is reached, along with their size distribution and physical composition. A meaningful representation of the indirect effects needs to take several complex microphysical processes into account. Atmospheric aerosols may also cause a negative impact on human health and vegetation. Specific details on emission and chemical mechanisms concerning toxic particulate-borne species are required for an accurate assessment of exposure.
Keywords
- Anthropogenic and natural emissions;
- Primary and secondary atmospheric aerosols;
- Direct, semi-direct and indirect radiative effects;
- Aerosol–cloud interactions;
- Aerosol microphysics;
- Impact on air quality;
- Toxicity of aerosols;
- Large-scale transport;
- Chemical and physical properties;
- Measurements and modeling
Editorial Board
Special Issues
Following special issues within this section are currently open for submissions:
- Disentangling the Chemical and Physical Processes on Gas-to-Particle Conversion (Deadline: 1 July 2022)
- Insights into Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere: Component Characteristics, Source Apportionment and Environmental Implications (Deadline: 31 July 2022)
- Understanding of New Atmospheric Particles Formation (Deadline: 1 August 2022)
- Cooking Organic Aerosol (COA): Characterization, Variability, and Simulation (Deadline: 1 August 2022)
- Molecular Characterization of Aerosols: Nucleation and Growth (Deadline: 15 August 2022)
- Atmospheric Aging Processes (Deadline: 19 August 2022)
- Interface Properties and Processes of Aerosol Particles in Simulated Atmospheric Environment (Deadline: 28 August 2022)
- Aerosol–Light Interactions; Radiative Absorption and Emission by Particles of Atmosphere (Deadline: 31 August 2022)
- Light-Absorbing Particles in Snow and Ice (Deadline: 30 September 2022)
- Anthropogenic Derived Organic Aerosols in the Atmosphere (Deadline: 30 September 2022)
- Aerosols and Particulate Matters in the Southern Hemisphere (Deadline: 21 October 2022)
- Atmospheric Aerosols: Interaction between Vertical Distribution of Air Pollution and Its Transportation within Boundary Layer (Deadline: 25 October 2022)
- Brake Wear Particulate Matter and Mitigation Strategies (Deadline: 13 November 2022)
- Chemical Composition and Sources of Particles in the Atmosphere (Deadline: 15 November 2022)
- Understanding the Formation, Stability, and Reactivity of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFR) (Deadline: 27 November 2022)
- Physical and Chemical Properties, Emission Characteristics and Sources of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 30 November 2022)
- Electrostatics of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 12 December 2022)
- Atmospheric Aerosols: Medium and Long-Range Transport Episodes (Deadline: 13 December 2022)
- Anthropogenic Pollutants in Environmental Geochemistry (Deadline: 18 December 2022)
- Feature Papers in Aerosol Research (Deadline: 23 December 2022)
- Isotopic Tracing: Advanced Understanding of Sources and Atmospheric Processes of Aerosol and Its Gaseous Precursors (Deadline: 30 December 2022)
- Aerosols: Direct, Semi-direct, and Indirect Radiative Effects (Deadline: 31 December 2022)
- Atmospheric Chemistry of Volatile Organic Compounds: Kinetics, Degradation Mechanisms, and Secondary Organic Aerosols (Deadline: 31 December 2022)
- Aerosols above the Most Polluted Parts of Eurasia: Problems and Challenges (Deadline: 31 December 2022)
- Formation and Ageing of Carbonaceous Aerosol in the Atmosphere (Deadline: 31 December 2022)
- Oxidative Potential Caused by Atmospheric Particles (Deadline: 2 January 2023)
- Measurements of Physico-Chemical Properties of Atmospheric Aerosols and Their Impacts in Air Pollution and Climate (Deadline: 31 January 2023)
- Biomass Combustion: Emissions, High-Temperature Aerosols, and Atmospheric Impact (Deadline: 31 January 2023)
- Aerosol–Cloud Interactions: Recent Trends, Current Progress and Future Directions (Deadline: 5 February 2023)