Our Research

Aerosols and the Energy Budget

Atmospheric aerosols have a direct and indirect impact on the earth's radiation budget. They directly influence the energy budget due to the specific wavelengths of light that they absorb and scatter. Their indirect influence on the earth's radiation budget is their ability to serve as cloud condensation nuclei, which lead to the formation of cirrus clouds. Cirrus clouds also absorb and reflect energy which is emitted from the sun and earth.