News

The Thorny Issue of Aerosols and Climate

entered on 7th Oct, 2009 05:22:43 PM MST

A study by CSD scientist Graham Feingold and Max Planck Institute scientist Bjorn Stevens reviewed the work to date on aerosol-cloud-climate interactions, with the aim of shedding light on why the uncertainties remain so large on this topic. They conclude that the complexity of the system means that in some situations, effects of aerosols on clouds and precipitation compensate or cancel each other out (i.e., it is a "buffered system"). Furthermore, these compensating effects vary a lot from place to place on the globe. The study was published on October 1 in the journal Nature.

Significance: The heterogeneity of aerosol-cloud interactions makes it difficult to apply global models and challenging to make sufficiently detailed observations, leading the authors to conclude that current observational approaches and modeling tools used to study the system are not always ideally suited to the task.

Background: Atmospheric particles (aerosols) formed from pollution can cool the climate directly by reflecting sunlight. Soot from biomass burning absorbs sunlight and warms the climate. Aerosols can also affect the formation and properties of clouds, altering their influence on climate. The net effect of all these direct and indirect factors is a cooling by aerosols, which has partially offset the warming by greenhouse gases.

Citation:
Stevens, B., and G. Feingold (2009), Untangling aerosol effects on clouds and precipitation in a buffered system, Nature 461, 607-613, doi:10.1038/nature08281

Solomon to be Inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame

entered on 7th Oct, 2009 10:54:45 AM MST

Susan Solomon, senior scientist in the ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, travels to Seneca Falls, New York, this weekend to be inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Events take place October 10-11 for Susan and nine other women who join the ranks of the institute.

Susan's achievements in research on climate and the ozone layer, along with her leadership of Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, propel her selection for the honor.

Background: The National Women's Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 to honor outstanding women and their contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, humanities, philanthropy and science. It is the oldest national institution dedicated to recognizing and honoring in perpetuity the significant achievements of individual American women. With this year's induction of 10 new members, its ranks now number 236. Located in historic Seneca Falls, the site of the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848, the Hall is a not-for-profit educational institution whose programs include Inductions of distinguished American women, educational activities, and special exhibits and events.

More information: http://www.greatwomen.org/home.php