Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Multifunctional Hybrid Fe2O3-Au Nanoparticles for Efficient Plasmonic Heating
Published on: February 20, 2016
Anthropogenic iron oxide aerosols enhance atmospheric heating
Nobuhiro Moteki1, Kouji Adachi2, Sho Ohata1
1Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Abstract:
Combustion-induced carbonaceous aerosols, particularly black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), have been largely considered as the only significant anthropogenic contributors to shortwave atmospheric heating. Natural iron oxide (FeOx) has been recognized as an important contributor, but the potential contribution of anthropogenic FeOx is unknown. In this study, we quantify the abundance of FeOx over East Asia through aircraft measurements using a modified single-particle soot photometer. The majority of airborne FeOx particles in the continental outflows are of anthropogenic origin in the form of aggregated magnetite nanoparticles. The shortwave absorbing powers (Pabs) attributable to FeOx and to BC are calculated on the basis of their size-resolved mass concentrations and the mean Pabs(FeOx)/Pabs(BC) ratio in the continental outflows is estimated to be at least 4-7%. We demonstrate that in addition to carbonaceous aerosols the aggregate of magnetite nanoparticles is a significant anthropogenic contributor to shortwave atmospheric heating.
Related Concept Videos
Global Climate Change
The Sulfur Cycle
The Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

