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:
- Formation, Evolution, Toxicity, and Climate Properties of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 13 September 2021)
- Black Carbon Aerosol Monitoring and Its Radiative Forcing Effects (Deadline: 23 September 2021)
- Cloud Condensation Nuclei: Development and Mechanism (Deadline: 30 September 2021)
- Adsorbent Materials for VOC Removal from Indoor Environment (Deadline: 30 September 2021)
- Mitigation Strategies for Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Laden Aerosols (Deadline: 30 September 2021)
- Bioaerosols: Composition, Meteorological Impact, and Transport (Deadline: 1 October 2021)
- Unusual Aerosol Conditions in the Arctic (Deadline: 15 October 2021)
- Atmospheric Aerosol Optical Properties (Deadline: 20 October 2021)
- Secondary Organic Aerosols from Biomass Burning and Anthropogenic Precursors (Deadline: 30 October 2021)
- Carbonaceous Aerosols over the Mediterranean, Interactions with Sea-Spray and with Climate Changes (Deadline: 31 October 2021)
- Multiphase Heterogeneous Reactions on the Formation and Evolution of Atmospheric Organic and Sulfur Aerosols (Deadline: 15 November 2021)
- Aerosol–Cloud–Precipitation Interactions: From Weather to Climate (Deadline: 22 November 2021)
- Ice Production in Clouds (Deadline: 25 November 2021)
- Aerosol Pollutants Composition, Transport, Distribution and Influence in Cryosphere Environment (Deadline: 26 November 2021)
- Atmospheric Aerosol Hazards (Deadline: 30 November 2021)
- Ammonia in a Changing Atmosphere (Deadline: 1 December 2021)
- Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 2 December 2021)
- Application of Chemistry-Aerosol Process Models for Chamber and Environmental Studies (Deadline: 20 December 2021)
- Physical, Chemical and Optical Properties of Aerosols (Deadline: 24 December 2021)
- Number Concentration and Size Distribution of Atmospheric Aerosol Particles (Deadline: 31 December 2021)
- Atmospheric Chemistry of Volatile Organic Compounds: Kinetics, Degradation Mechanisms, and Secondary Organic Aerosols (Deadline: 31 December 2021)
- Brown Carbon and its Atmospheric Chemical Evolution (Deadline: 1 February 2022)
- Towards Understanding Physical and Chemical Characteristics of New Particle Formation Around the Globe (Deadline: 25 March 2022)
- Global Black Carbon Aerosols (Deadline: 31 March 2022)
- Aerosol Transport Phenomena, Kinetics, and Deposition (Deadline: 31 March 2022)
- Advances in Light-absorbing Carbonaceous Aerosols Research (Deadline: 20 April 2022)