Atmospheric Aerosols and Their Radiative Effects

Dear Colleagues,

Aerosol particles have a central role in the radiation budget of the atmosphere, through a variety of processes, from direct scattering and absorption of solar and planetary radiation to indirect effects related to 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, as, for example, the aerosol deposition feedback on the albedo of snow/ice covered surfaces or the influence on atmospheric stability due to absorption of radiation. The aerosol distribution on global and regional scales is dependent on emission, removal and horizontal-vertical transport processes. 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. As clearly stated in several IPCC reports and in scientific literature, the level of scientific understanding of these processes is often low or very low, and the range of uncertainty in the evaluation of their effect on weather and climate is significant. Consequently, a great deal of observational and modeling work is needed to better understand the uncertainties in the net radiative forcing of atmospheric aerosols.

Manuscripts on all aspects of the radiative effects of atmospheric aerosols are welcome for this Special Issue.

Dr. Giovanni Pitari
Dr. Gabriele Curci
Guest Editors

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