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:
- Atmospheric Aerosols: How Are They Emitted, Generated, Transported, Aged, and Deposited? (Deadline: 30 September 2025)
- Outdoor and Indoor Air Ions, Radon, and Ozone (Deadline: 15 October 2025)
- Bioaerosols: Emission, Characterisation, and Mechanisms (Deadline: 31 October 2025)
- New Insights into Atmospheric Marine Composition: Characteristics, Processes, and Climate Effects (Deadline: 14 November 2025)
- Atmospheric Bioaerosols: Detection, Characterization and Modelling (2nd Edition) (Deadline: 19 November 2025)
- Observation and Properties of Atmospheric Aerosol (Deadline: 30 November 2025)
- Numerical Simulation of Aerosol Microphysical Processes (2nd Edition) (Deadline: 12 December 2025)
- Aerosols and Their Radiative and Air Quality Impacts: Bridging Science and Policy (Deadline: 31 December 2025)
- Recent Advances in Photochemistry and Spectroscopy of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 12 January 2026)
- Dynamics of Aerosol Distribution and Transport (Deadline: 31 May 2026)
