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:
- Observation and Properties of Atmospheric Aerosol (Deadline: 31 May 2026)
- Bioaerosols: Emission, Characterisation, and Mechanisms (Deadline: 31 May 2026)
- Dynamics of Aerosol Distribution and Transport (Deadline: 31 May 2026)
- Interactions Among Aerosols, Clouds, and Radiation (Deadline: 12 June 2026)
- The Impact of Secondary Organic Aerosol on Atmosphere and Human Health (Deadline: 30 June 2026)
- Electrostatics of Atmospheric Aerosols (3rd Edition) (Deadline: 18 July 2026)
- The Characterization and Evolution of Airborne Dust Particles (Deadline: 31 August 2026)
- 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)
- Biomass Burning Aerosol Optical Properties: From Laboratory Measurements to Field Observations and Climate Modeling (Deadline: 30 December 2026)
- Advances in Aerosol–Cloud Interactions: From Microphysical Processes to Earth System Model Evaluation (Deadline: 25 March 2027)
