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 climate;
- 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:
- Remote Sensing of Aerosols and Clouds: Current Status and Emerging Challenges (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Aerosol–Climate Linkages Under Global Warming and Emission Transitions (Deadline: 27 October 2026)
- Atmospheric Aerosol Characterization, Transport and Environmental Effects (Deadline: 20 November 2026)
- Airborne Biological Particles: Characterization, Monitoring, and Health Relevance (Deadline: 25 November 2026)
- Interactions Among Aerosols, Clouds, and Radiation (Deadline: 12 December 2026)
- Biomass Burning Aerosol Optical Properties: From Laboratory Measurements to Field Observations and Climate Modeling (Deadline: 30 December 2026)
- Electrostatics of Atmospheric Aerosols (3rd Edition) (Deadline: 20 January 2027)
- Dynamics of Aerosol Distribution and Transport (Deadline: 18 February 2027)
- Cloud Processing of Aerosols: Chemistry, Mixing State, and Atmospheric Impacts (Deadline: 25 February 2027)
- Advances in Aerosol–Cloud Interactions: From Microphysical Processes to Earth System Model Evaluation (Deadline: 25 March 2027)
- The Characterization and Evolution of Airborne Dust Particles (Deadline: 31 March 2027)
- Atmospheric Aerosol Pollution: Sources, Atmospheric Processes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies (Deadline: 30 April 2027)
