About Polluting the Internet
One of the key components of air pollution in the atmosphere are tiny particles known as aerosols, which can be both natural and man-made. They are an integral part of the climate system as they can both warm and cool the planet directly, as well as affecting cloud formation. Overall, they tend to cool the Earth, which contrasts with the large warming associated with greenhouse gases. These tiny particles are also harmful to our health if we breathe them in; they can be toxic and have been associated with several heart and lung diseases. These are just some of the features of aerosols that make them an important area of study.
About Will
Will Morgan is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Manchester, UK. His research focuses on measurements of the chemical composition of aerosols and how this impacts air quality and climate. Usually found at a computer in an office or on a research aircraft travelling a few hundred metres above the ground. Will is also a member of a podcast about atmospheric science called The Barometer. Tweets as @willtmorgan.
Banner image credits: Dragon TV Tower; Author: Fredrik Rubensson; Source: Flickr.
The opinions expressed in Polluting the Internet are those of the author, whose views may differ from those of the European Geosciences Union.