Marine biogenic aerosols and their effects on aerosol-cloud interactions over the Southern Ocean: a review

Abstract

The Southern Ocean (SO) plays an important role in the global climate system. Changes in SO biogeochemistry and marine ecosystems may influence the distribution of atmospheric aerosols and clouds and impact the climate system. We reviewed current knowledge on the interactions between marine aerosols and clouds over the SO. We focused on marine primary and secondary organic aerosols and summarized their characteristics, processes and roles as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei. We described in detail the interactions between the marine ecosystem, aerosols and clouds. We discussed marine productivity, formation of marine biogenic aerosols and interactions between aerosols, clouds and climate. We explored the impact of climate change on SO marine ecosystem productivity and aerosol–cloud–climate feedback. Marine biogenic aerosols could impact the radiation budget and oceanic low-level clouds over the SO. This study contributes towards an improved understanding of marine productivity, aerosol-cloud interactions and climate change in the SO. The SO may respond to climate change in varying degrees. More studies are urgently needed to support accurate forecasts of future changes in the SO. Citation : Xu Y F, Xu G J, Chen L Q, et al. Marine biogenic aerosols and their effects on aerosol-cloud interactions over the Southern Ocean: a review. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(3):195-209, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0007