- Number 343 |
- August 8, 2011
Counting all aerosols
In looking at Mexico City data,
the models give a different
picture of aerosol particles,
depending on whether it’s on
a large scale (left) or
small scale (right).
Including the finer details of aerosols could improve the accuracy of global climate predictions, according to scientists at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In global climate models, aerosols or tiny particles that scatter or absorb sunlight are averaged out across a large grid, distorting the prediction of aerosol effects on the climate. Aerosols can tip the energy balance of the Earth toward heating or cooling, depending on the particle’s characteristics and elevation above the Earth’s surface. PNNL’s study gives climate scientists a more accurate account of aerosols on the small scale. This study will help predict global climate change repercussions affecting human health, water use, energy supplies, transportation and agriculture. DOE’s Atmospheric System Research Program funded this work, along with the DOE Early Career Research Program. Resources were provided by two DOE user facilities: National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center and EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory.
[Kristin Manke, 509.372.6011,
kristin.manke@pnnl.gov]
