Aerosols

Aerosols are small particles or droplets that float in the air, originating from both natural sources (e.g., wildfire smoke, volcanic gases, sea spray) and human activities (e.g., air pollution particles, soot). 

Sources

NASA. “Aerosols: Small Particles with Big Climate Effects.” NASA Science. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/climate-science…

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Space-based technology for aerosol monitoring and its role in the hydrological cycle

Extreme weather events, such as sudden downpours or prolonged droughts, disrupt economies, ecosystems, and communities. These events are closely linked to aerosols—tiny atmospheric particles that influence the hydrological cycle by altering cloud properties and precipitation. Understanding the interactions between aerosols, clouds, and the hydrological cycle is essential for managing climate variability.