The impact of aerosols on solar ultraviolet radiation and photochemical smog

R. R. Dickerson; S. Kondragunta; G. Stenchikov; K. L. Civerolo; B. G. Doddridge; B. N. Holben

doi:10.1126/science.278.5339.827

The impact of aerosols on solar ultraviolet radiation and photochemical smog

R. R. Dickerson^*, S. Kondragunta, G. Stenchikov, K. L. Civerolo, B. G. Doddridge, B. N. Holben

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

524 Scopus citations

Abstract

Photochemical smog, or ground-level ozone, has been the most recalcitrant of air pollution problems, but reductions in emissions of sulfur and hydrocarbons may yield unanticipated benefits in air quality. While sulfate and some organic aerosol particles scatter solar radiation back into space and can cool Earth's surface, they also change the actinic flux of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Observations and numerical models show that UV- scattering particles in the boundary layer accelerate photochemical reactions aria smog production, but UV-absorbing aerosols such as mineral dust and soot inhibit smog production. Results could have major implications for the control of air pollution.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	827-830
Number of pages	4
Journal	SCIENCE
Volume	278
Issue number	5339
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1126/science.278.5339.827
State	Published - Oct 31 1997
Externally published	Yes

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title = "The impact of aerosols on solar ultraviolet radiation and photochemical smog",

abstract = "Photochemical smog, or ground-level ozone, has been the most recalcitrant of air pollution problems, but reductions in emissions of sulfur and hydrocarbons may yield unanticipated benefits in air quality. While sulfate and some organic aerosol particles scatter solar radiation back into space and can cool Earth's surface, they also change the actinic flux of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Observations and numerical models show that UV- scattering particles in the boundary layer accelerate photochemical reactions aria smog production, but UV-absorbing aerosols such as mineral dust and soot inhibit smog production. Results could have major implications for the control of air pollution.",

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AU - Dickerson, R. R.

AU - Kondragunta, S.

AU - Stenchikov, G.

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AU - Doddridge, B. G.

AU - Holben, B. N.

PY - 1997/10/31

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AB - Photochemical smog, or ground-level ozone, has been the most recalcitrant of air pollution problems, but reductions in emissions of sulfur and hydrocarbons may yield unanticipated benefits in air quality. While sulfate and some organic aerosol particles scatter solar radiation back into space and can cool Earth's surface, they also change the actinic flux of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Observations and numerical models show that UV- scattering particles in the boundary layer accelerate photochemical reactions aria smog production, but UV-absorbing aerosols such as mineral dust and soot inhibit smog production. Results could have major implications for the control of air pollution.

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The impact of aerosols on solar ultraviolet radiation and photochemical smog

Abstract

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