Example of how some small particulates influence the atmosphere.
“ From Aerosol Particulate Matter —extremely small particles or liquid droplets, about 0.01 to 100 μm in diameter, suspended in the atmosphere —can also affect energy absorption/emission in the atmosphere. Lightly-colored aerosol particles can reflect incoming sunlight. Dark particles can absorb energy. Natural aerosol particles, usually larger than about 1 μm, include dust and sea salt whipped into the atmosphere by strong winds and particles from volcanic eruptions. Human-made aerosol particles, usually smaller than about 1 μm, include sulfate particles produced from sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by coal combustion and soot-like “black” carbon particles from wood-burning cook stoves – widely used in developing countries – and diesel engine exhaust. Aerosol particles also enhance cloud formation and so also exert an effect through the reflectivity and energy absorbing properties of clouds.”
