Diurnally averaged direct aerosol-induced radiative forcing from cloud-free sky field measurements performed during seven regional experiments

Abstract

Aerosol particles suspended in the atmosphere may originate from either natural or anthropic sources, or through mixed processes involving their variable combinations. Among the primary natural emissions, the most important are those leading to the formation of (i) mineral dust through wind erosion of natural soil and (ii) sea-salt particles from the ocean surface forced by winds. In addition, significant emission processes include biological particles released by plants and animals, combustion particles forming in forest fires and biomass-burning smokes, and volcanic debris ejections.