Stratospheric aerosol sizes

Miranda, H.; Fenn, Robert W.

doi:10.1029/gl001i005p00201

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…The system is simple, reliable, and easily mounted on balloons. Other optical counter systems are described by Miranda and Fenn [1974], Kdiselau et al [1974], Podzimek et al [1975], and Grams and Rosen [1978].…”

Section: Measurement Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stratospheric aerosols: Observation and theory

Turco¹,

Whitten²,

Toon³

1982

Reviews of Geophysics

280

105

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We review current observational and theoretical knowledge of the stratospheric aerosols. These particles, which are composed primarily of sulfuric acid and other sulfates, are concentrated in a layer extending 20 km or more above the tropopause. The aerosols affect the chemistry of the stratosphere and the climatology of the earth. A number of important chemical and physical roles for the aerosols are discussed. We describe the properties of stratospheric aerosols as revealed by experimental data. Remote-sensing optical instruments, both active (lidars) and passive (satellites), allow routine mapping of the global aerosol distribution. Extensive in situ measurements obtained by mechanical collection (filters and impactors) and scattered-light detection yield the overall size dispersion of the aerosols. Laboratory analyses of preserved aerosol samples define the bulk composition (and possible origins) of the particles. Quantitative studies of aerosol precursor gases (SO2, OCS, and CS2) by wet chemical, cryogenic, and spectroscopic techniques reveal the photochemical sources of particulate mass. Theoretical aspects of the stratospheric aerosols are also reviewed. We discuss aerosol chemical reactions including those of gaseous precursors, those i n aqueous solution, and thos e on particle surfaces. We also describe aerosol microphysical processes including nucleation, condensation/ evaporation, coagulation, and sedimentation. Existing models of aerosols which incorporate these chemical and physical processes are outlined. Aerosol model predictions are appraised vis h vis observations. The simulations are shown to agree with measurements in many important respects. Areas requiring further investigation include the identification of the nucleation mechanisms for the aerosols and the characterization of the tenuous upper extent of the aerosol layer above ---25 km. Estimates are presented for the potential aerosol changes attributable to the emissions of particles and gases by aerospace operations (aircraft and rockets) and industrial consumption of fossil fuels. It is demonstrated that although the climatic effects of existing levels of stratospheric aerosol pollution are negligible, potential increases in those levels might pose a future threat. Evidence for a major influence of massive volcanic eruptions on terrestrial climate is discussed. Model calculations of climate perturbations associated with past volcanic activity are summarized. In addition, detailed physico-

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Section: Measurement Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stratospheric aerosols: Observation and theory

Turco¹,

Whitten²,

Toon³

1982

Reviews of Geophysics

280

105

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“…The parameter r becomes minimum in the region from 18 to 21km, and it is corresponding to the fact that this region contains relatively more the larger size particles. Measurements by MIRANDA and FENN (1974) also suggest that parameter r becomes larger according to increase of altitude in the upper region of layer. In addition to these, similar feature can be found in other investigators' measurements (BIGG, 1975(BIGG, , 1976HOFMANN et al, 1975;HOFMANN and ROSEN, 1977;FARLOW March, measured at Hamamatsu.…”

Section: Curves Inmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…In Table 1, we listed values of parameter r which are decided by the analytical procedure of IWASAKA and ISONO (1977) on assumption that the size distribution function are described as the power law type of aerosol radius R, n(R)=AR-r in the radius range from 0.1 to 1.0um, and compared with the measurements by MIRANDA and FENN (1974). The parameter r becomes minimum in the region from 18 to 21km, and it is corresponding to the fact that this region contains relatively more the larger size particles.…”

Section: Curves Inmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Vertical Change of Stratospheric Aerosol Size Measured by Two-Color Laser Radar Technique

Iwasaka

1980

J. geomagn. geoelec

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“…The existence of this layer has been demonstrated by many techniques. Those which have provided the most detailed information concerning the variation of large-particle concentrations with height have been the optical particle counters [Rosen, 1964[Rosen, , 1969[Rosen, , 1971Miranda and Fenn, 1974]…”

Section: Variation With Altitudementioning

confidence: 99%

Stratospheric aerosol particles and their optical properties

Cadle¹,

Grams²

1975

Reviews of Geophysics

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This review emphasizes those aspects of aerosol particles in the stratosphere that have not been covered by other reviews. This approach is not severely limiting because of the almost explosive increase in our knowledge of such particulate matter during the last few years. Furthermore, this review places special emphasis on the optical properties of the particles. Stratospheric particles have been investigated by remote optical means for at least 80 years, but not until about 1960 were such particles collected and examined. The particles consist largely of volcanic ash for periods of possibly a few months following major explosive volcanic eruptions, but at other times they consist largely of impure sulfuric acid which may be in the form of droplets or crystals. The sulfuric acid is believed to be formed largely by the oxidation and hydration of sulfur dioxide, much of which is introduced into the stratosphere by volcanic eruptions. There is considerable uncertainty as to whether the particle size distributions are unimodal or polymodal or whether the nature of the distribution varies markedly with time and space. The mixing ratio of the particles, at least of the larger ones in the 0.1‐ to 1µm‐radius interval, is almost always greatest a few kilometers above the tropopause. However, this ‘layer’ is often highly structured. The particles may serve as catalysts for, or otherwise participate in, stratospheric chemical reactions. Stratospheric particles, by absorbing and scattering radiation from the sun and earth, can affect the atmosphere's radiation balance, thereby affecting the climate. Some numerical results concerning the amount of energy lost from an incident light beam as it propagates through a layer of uniformly distributed particles are presented. The results are shown as contours of constant values of the total percentage loss of energy due to extinction, scattering, and absorption for a vertically incident solar beam over a wide range of particle radii and imaginary refractive indices for real refractive indices of 1.4 and 1.5. The application of Mie scattering theory to the use of laser radar (lidar) is also described. Another major effect of the stratospheric aerosols is the denial of radiation to the region below the stratosphere. At the same time, they add energy to the stratosphere by the absorption of radiation. Various types of analytical models of climate change due to aerosols are discussed, and the energetic equilibrium of small particles in the atmosphere is also considered in some detail.

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Stratospheric aerosol sizes

Cited by 11 publications

References 1 publication

Stratospheric aerosols: Observation and theory

Stratospheric aerosols: Observation and theory

The Vertical Change of Stratospheric Aerosol Size Measured by Two-Color Laser Radar Technique

Stratospheric aerosol particles and their optical properties

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