Global indirect aerosol effects: a review

Aerosols affect the climate system by changing cloud characteristics in many ways. They act as cloud condensation and ice nuclei, they may inhibit freezing and they could have an influence on the hydrological cycle. While the cloud albedo enhancement (Twomey effect) of warm clouds received most att...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: U. Lohmann, J. Feichter
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2005-01-01
Series:Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Online Access:http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/5/715/2005/acp-5-715-2005.pdf
Description
Summary:Aerosols affect the climate system by changing cloud characteristics in many ways. They act as cloud condensation and ice nuclei, they may inhibit freezing and they could have an influence on the hydrological cycle. While the cloud albedo enhancement (Twomey effect) of warm clouds received most attention so far and traditionally is the only indirect aerosol forcing considered in transient climate simulations, here we discuss the multitude of effects. Different approaches how the climatic implications of these aerosol effects can be estimated globally as well as improvements that are needed in global climate models in order to better represent indirect aerosol effects are discussed in this paper.
ISSN:1680-7316
1680-7324