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Published on: November 5, 2014

Biogenically driven organic contribution to marine aerosol.

Colin D O'Dowd1, Maria Cristina Facchini, Fabrizia Cavalli

  • 1Department of Experimental Physics and Environmental Change Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.

Nature
|October 8, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Marine organic matter significantly impacts climate by dominating submicrometre aerosol mass during plankton blooms. This organic aerosol influences cloud properties and is a key factor in aerosol-cloud-climate feedback systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Atmospheric Chemistry
  • Oceanography
  • Climate Science

Background:

  • Marine aerosol significantly influences Earth's albedo and climate.
  • Existing research primarily focuses on sea-salt and non-sea-salt sulfates, leaving organic contributions unclear.
  • Submicrometre marine aerosol mass often exceeds that explained by inorganic species alone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of submicrometre marine aerosol.
  • To quantify the contribution of organic matter to marine aerosol mass across different sizes.
  • To determine the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of marine organic aerosol.

Main Methods:

  • Field experiments conducted over the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • Measurements taken during plankton blooms from spring through autumn.
  • Analysis of aerosol physical and chemical properties, including organic fraction and water solubility.

Main Results:

  • Organic matter dominated submicrometre marine aerosol mass (63%) during bloom periods.
  • Approximately 45% of the organic fraction was water-insoluble and 18% was water-soluble.
  • The organic fraction decreased to 15% during winter when biological activity was low.

Conclusions:

  • Marine organic aerosol plays a crucial role in aerosol-cloud-climate feedback.
  • Organic matter can significantly enhance cloud droplet concentration (15% to over 100%).
  • Understanding marine organic aerosol composition and properties is vital for accurate climate modeling.