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In this section

• 1. Structure And Composition
• 2. Solar Energy
• 3. Energy Variation
• 4. Energy Budgets
• 5. General Circulation
• 6. Secondary Circulation

Summary

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1. Structure And Composition

Aerosols are small particles of matter suspended in the atmosphere

Sea salt, dust and smoke are all aerosols. They are mainly of natural origin, from sea spray, wind, volcanoes and so on, but some are of anthropogenic origin. Many of these aerosols are hygroscopic and act as condensation nuclei: allowing water vapour to condense into liquid water vapour and form clouds.

What are aerosols?