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The potential effects of volcanic aerosols on cirrus cloud microphysicsThe potential impact of volcanic aerosols on nucleation of ice crystals in upper tropospheric cirrus clouds is examined from a microphysical perspective. The sulfuric acid aerosols which form in the stratosphere are presumably transported into the troposphere by sedimentation and tropopause folding. The tropospheric volcanic aerosol size distribution is estimated from 10-micron lidar backscatter and in situ measurements. Microphysical simulations suggest that at temperatures below about -50 C the concentration of ice crystals which nucleate may be as much as a factor of 5 larger when volcanic aerosols are present. The simulations suggest that the presence of volcanic aerosols may increase the net radiative forcing (surface warming) of certain types of cirrus near the tropopause by as much as 8 W/sq m. Further observations are required to determine whether these effects actually occur, and their global impact.
Document ID
19920072816
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Jensen, Eric J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Toon, Owen B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
September 4, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 19
Issue: 17, S
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
92A55440
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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