Clouds and climate
Article Abstract:
An empirical approach has been used to estimate the magnitude of the surface tension of very small, wetted, aerosol particles. This surface tension is reduced by soapy elements of air pollutants, and this could make the particles more likely to become cloud drops, creating a larger number of cloud drops of smaller size. The outcome is that the clouds become better reflectors of sunlight and thus tend to reduce the temperature of the Earth's surface. This research demonstrates the potential significant of the surfactant effect on cloud brightness and climate.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Clouds, precipitation and temperature range
Article Abstract:
The effects of change in the diurnal temperature range (DTR) relative to the changes in the cloud type were analyzed by using general circulation model (GCM) simulations. Results have shown that thick clouds and precipitation secondary to greenhouse gas are directly related to the decrease in the DTR. The enhanced greenhouse effect such as increased carbon dioxide promotes an increase in the concentration of cloud condensation nucleus which in effect decreases DTR through surface evaporative cooling.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Dusky ice clouds over Alaska
Article Abstract:
The dust storms that occurred in Asia in the year 2004 created unusual ice clouds over Alaska at temperature far warmer than those expected for normal cirrus-cloud formation. Examinations show that this was the first time they are shown to serve as deposition ice nuclei in the atmosphere and to create ice clouds at modest super saturations and temperatures.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2005
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