A recent study published in One Earth reveals that newly formed particles in urban areas have a significantly greater impact on climate than previously thought. The research team analyzed particle formation at various heights above the urban landscape using advanced measurement techniques based on a 325-meter meteorological tower in Beijing.
The study found that particle formation is more pronounced at higher altitudes, where factors such as sulfuric acid and relative humidity promote growth. This suggests that traditional ground-level measurements may not capture the full picture of particle dynamics in densely populated urban areas.
When gaseous precursors from anthropogenic emissions are transported to elevated layers of the atmosphere, they enhance the growth of particles, enabling them to become effective cloud condensation nuclei. The study estimates that the influence of new particles on CCN has been underestimated by approximately 20%.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic discourse and hold significant relevance for policy-making and urban planning. Understanding the vertical component of urban atmospheric processes is critical for grasping the impact of particulate matter on climate.
“This call for enhanced observational strategies underscores the complexity of atmospheric processes,” says Academician Markku Kulmala from the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research INAR at the University of Helsinki. “We need comprehensive long-term vertical observations to accurately assess the climate effects of particles.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for addressing air pollution and climate challenges in cities worldwide. As Yele Sun, Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, notes, “Understanding the vertical profiles of atmospheric processes can help develop more effective strategies to mitigate their impacts on both climate and public health.”
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/climate-sciences-blind-spot-new-particles-matter-more-than-we-thought