How Aerosols Shape Our Weather
Aerosol particles play a crucial role in cloud formation and precipitation. The tropics, with their diverse ecosystems and human activities, emit various types of aerosols that influence climate patterns.
In what constitutes Earth's climate, there exists an often overlooked, yet vital, interaction between atmospheric aerosols and clouds. These tiny particles suspended in the air, which can be solid or liquid, are not merely passive components of the atmosphere—they are key players in the climate cycle. This relationship, particularly its role in tropical latitudes, was eloquently dissected by Dr. Luis Antonio Ladino Moreno, a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change (ICAyCC) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
During a recent seminar at the ICAyCC, Ladino Moreno's presentation, titled “Aerosol-Cloud Interaction in Tropical Latitudes: Its Importance and Challenges,” offered profound insights into the workings of aerosols and their connection to cloud formation, shedding light on why understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing the climate crisis.
