Scientists from the University of Helsinki in Finland have discovered an unusually high concentration of atmospheric aerosols over Siberia. These elements consist of gas molecules and have a cooling effect by reflecting some of the solar energy. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Environmental Research Letters (ERL).
Previous observations have shown that active production of aerosol particles rarely occurs in Siberia. However, monitoring data over the last few years has revealed that this process has intensified. According to experts, the situation has changed due to global warming.
In 2020, Siberia experienced a six-month heat wave. Using an interdisciplinary analysis of atmospheric chemistry, physics and meteorology, the researchers found that forest emissions, pollution and a heat wave create ideal conditions for aerosol formation.
“Our results show that, contrary to what was previously assumed, large amounts of aerosol particles can be formed in spring over large areas of the West Siberian taiga,” said the authors of the scientific study, Olga Garmash and Ekaterina Ezhova.
According to scientists, high temperatures may become common in Western Siberia in the coming years. This will lead to a more active emergence of atmospheric aerosols and will affect the climate.
Previous scientists I learnedthat reducing greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the concentration of atmospheric aerosols that cool the Earth.