Clouds and Climate
How do aerosols affect clouds?

Global warming will have an effect on the types and distributions of clouds. Clouds could also change in the future due to aerosols. Aerosols are released into the atmosphere through both natural (forest fires and volcanoes) and human sources, such as factories and vehicles.

• You can learn more about air polution here.
• To learn about aerosols, their roles in the atmosphere, and a phenomenon known as "global dimming,"
  visit this Windows to the Universe page.

Aerosols have a direct effect on climate through their optical properties; how they scatter, absorb, and re-emit radiation. They also have several indirect effects on clouds and precipitation. These effects stem from the fact that aerosols are essential for the formation of cloud droplets.

You can find a hands-on way to learn about how pollution from cities affects clouds here.

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