Haze-effect cooling

Definition

Haze-effect cooling is the reduction in Earth's surface temperature due to the scattering of sunlight by aerosols and particulate matter in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can offset some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Haze-effect cooling occurs because particles like sulfate aerosols scatter incoming solar radiation back into space.
2. The primary sources of these aerosols include volcanic eruptions, industrial pollution, and biomass burning.
3. This effect can lead to short-term regional cooling, especially following significant volcanic eruptions.
4. Haze-effect cooling does not counteract all aspects of climate change but can temporarily mask the full impact of global warming.
5. The overall impact on climate is complex, as it depends on both the type and concentration of aerosols present in the atmosphere.

Review Questions

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases, leading to global warming.

Aerosol: A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas.

Albedo:

The measure of reflectivity of Earth's surface, where higher albedo means more reflection and less absorption of sunlight.