Abstract
Stratospheric sulfate aerosols have a cooling effect on the Earth’s surface. Sulfur aerosols from large volcanic eruptions are often the dominant source, while non-volcanic background stratospheric sulfate aerosols are supposed to mainly originate from carbonyl sulfide (OCS). Several recent studies indicate, however, that this latter source is too small to account for the observed background stratospheric aerosol concentration. Based on model calculations we suggest that most of the lower stratospheric sulfate aerosol concentration is of anthropogenic origin. We estimate a global mean radiative forcing due to the anthropogenic influence on the stratospheric aerosol layer of −0.05 Wm−2. This represents a new climate forcing mechanism and emphasizes anthropogenic sulfur emission as an important cooling mechanism.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
