About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

How We Personally Contribute to Climate Change With the Aerosols We Create

by Tanya Thomas on September 8, 2008 at 9:06 AM
 How We Personally Contribute to Climate Change With the Aerosols We Create

The IGBF or the "International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme" proposes to study and account more specifically how aerosols affect precipitation in climate models. The research will be carried out by a group of scientists affiliated to the programme.

The increase in atmospheric concentrations of man-made aerosols-tiny particles suspended in the air-from such sources as transportation, industry, agriculture, and urban land use not only poses serious problems to human health, but also has an effect on weather and climate.

Advertisement

Recent studies suggest that increased aerosol loading may have changed the energy balance in the atmosphere and at the Earth's surface, and altered the global water cycle in ways that make the climate system more prone to precipitation extremes.

It appears that aerosol effects on clouds can induce large changes in precipitation patterns, which in turn may change not only regional water resources, but also may change the regional and global circulation systems that constitute the Earth's climate.
Advertisement

The proposed framework improves scientists' ability to simulate present and future climates by integrating, for the first time, the radiative and microphysical effects of aerosols on clouds.

The radiative effects of aerosols on clouds mostly act to suppress precipitation, because they decrease the amount of solar radiation that reaches the land surface, and therefore cause less heat to be available for evaporating water and energizing convective rain clouds.

Microphysical effects of aerosols can slow down the conversion of cloud drops into raindrops, which shuts off precipitation from very shallow and short-lived clouds.

Model simulations suggest that this delay of early rain causes greater amounts of cloud water and rain intensities later in the life cycle of the cloud.

This suggests that rain patterns are shifting, leading to possible drought in one area and flooding downwind in another area. In addition, greater cooling below and heating above leads to enhanced upward heat transport.

Model simulations have shown that greater heating in the troposphere enhances the atmospheric circulation system, shifting weather patterns due to changes convective activity.

Investigations of aerosol/precipitation effects are especially relevant to policy issues, as effects on the hydrological cycle may affect water availability, a great concern in many regions of the world.

The IPCC, in its latest climate change assessment report, declared aerosols to be "the dominant uncertainty in radiative forcing".

Therefore, aerosols, clouds and their interaction with climate are still the most uncertain areas of climate change and require multidisciplinary coordinated research efforts.

To that end, the team of scientists is participating in a new, international research project designed to study the connections between aerosols, clouds, precipitation and climate (ACPC project).

Source: ANI
TAN/M
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Environmental Health

Carbon Footprint of a Hospital Bed Calculated
To achieve more substantial reductions in emissions, hospital sustainability efforts must extend their focus beyond the surface.
Most Parents Report Children Facing Poor Air Quality
Most parents in Canada support moving school activities indoors to protect children from poor air quality.
Rising Demand for Bioinsecticides Reflects a Transition to Eco-Friendly Agriculture
The increasing demand for bioinsecticides reflects a broader shift toward sustainable agriculture, prioritizing long-term ecological health and food security.
Australian Medical Association And DEA Urge Climate Action Call
Health-related consequences of climate change are worsening due to the rapid global heating resulting from greenhouse gas emissions, reveal experts.
Toxic Chemicals from Household Cleaning Products may Cause Indoor Air Pollution
Numerous dangerous volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, released by common cleaning supplies may cause indoor air pollution.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

How We Personally Contribute to Climate Change With the Aerosols We Create Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests