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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
Published on: June 8, 2015
Aerosols, climate, and the hydrological cycle.
V Ramanathan1, P J Crutzen, J T Kiehl
1Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, CA 92093, USA. ram@fiji.ucsd.edu
Human activities release aerosols, tiny atmospheric particles, which reduce solar radiation and rainfall. This impacts the hydrological cycle, affecting freshwater availability and quality.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Environmental Science
- Climate Science
Background:
- Human activities release aerosols into the atmosphere.
- Aerosols influence solar radiation scattering and absorption.
- Aerosols create brighter clouds with reduced precipitation efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted impacts of anthropogenic aerosols on the Earth's atmosphere and hydrological cycle.
- To understand how aerosols affect solar irradiance, atmospheric heating, and rainfall patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of aerosol properties and their radiative effects.
- Modeling of cloud microphysical processes influenced by aerosols.
- Assessment of impacts on solar irradiance and atmospheric temperature structure.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in solar irradiance reaching the Earth's surface.
- Increased solar heating within the atmosphere.
- Suppression of rainfall and less efficient pollutant removal.
- Alterations in atmospheric temperature structure.
Conclusions:
- Anthropogenic aerosols significantly disrupt atmospheric energy balance and hydrological processes.
- These effects lead to a weaker hydrological cycle, impacting freshwater resources.
- Aerosol-induced changes pose a major environmental challenge for the 21st century.
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