Aerosol Effects on Climate
Aerosols scatter and absorb visible and infrared radiation
Could cause warming or cooling
Depends on size distribution and index of refraction of the particles, as well as albedo of the underlying surface
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN) are precursors for all cloud particles in the atmosphere
CCN and IN influence cloud optical and microphysical properties
Possible effects include changes in Earth's albedo and changes in hydrological cycle