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► Journal MenuAerosols
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
• 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:
- Chemical Properties of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 30 June 2019)
- Single Atmospheric Particle Analysis (Deadline: 30 June 2019)
- Carbonaceous Aerosols: Sources, Physical and Chemical Characterization, and Toxicity (Deadline: 31 July 2019)
- Aerosol Life Cycle (Deadline: 31 July 2019)
- Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) Formation, Properties and Evolution in the Atmosphere (Deadline: 31 August 2019)
- Atmospheric New Particle Formation (Deadline: 31 August 2019)
- Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments (Deadline: 31 August 2019)
- Soil/Mineral Dust Aerosols in the Earth System (Deadline: 15 September 2019)
- Atmospheric Aerosol Regional Monitoring (Deadline: 30 September 2019)
- Oxidative Potential of Atmospheric Aerosols (Deadline: 31 October 2019)
- Atmospheric Nucleation Processes: New Particle Formation and Representation in Models (Deadline: 31 October 2019)
- Aerosol Radiative Effects (Deadline: 15 November 2019)
- Urban Atmospheric Aerosols: Sources, Analysis and Effects (Deadline: 30 November 2019)
- Advances in Measurements and Modeling of Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOA) (Deadline: 31 December 2019)
- Detection and Monitoring of Bioaerosols (Deadline: 31 December 2019)
- Disinfection, Control, and Respiratory Protection against Microbial Aerosols (Deadline: 29 February 2020)
