Life span of cloud-forming sulfate particles in the air is
shorter than assumed due to a sulfur dioxide oxidation pathway which has been
neglected in climate models so far
Sulfur dioxide is as antagonist of greenhouse gases less
effective than previously assumed. It forms sulfate aerosol particles in the
air, which reflect sunlight, and as so-called cloud condensation nuclei
influence the chemical processes within clouds. Therefore, sulfate aerosol
particles help to cool the earth, making them an important factor in climate
models. However, a team around researchers from the Max Planck Institute for
Chemistry found out that it is likely most models overestimate the cooling
effect of these particles. The reason is a largely disregarded reaction pathway
catalysed by mineral dust within clouds, which has a strong influence on the
life span of sulfate aerosol particles and their ability to reflect sunlight.