Aerosol-Clouds-Water Vapor Interactions

The properties of the polluted clouds indicate a warming and moistening effect on air entering the stratosphere by the pollutants in Asia.

Aura's MLS carbon monoxide data (at 215 hPa > 240 ppbv) was collected from the South and East Asia (SEA) during June-July-August (JJA) and over the maritime continent (MTC) during December-January-February (DJF).

The polluted clouds have greater aerosol optical thickness (AOT), smaller effective radius (R_e), higher temperature (T) and water vapor (H₂O) than clean clouds (defined by Aura MLS CO at 215 hPa < 100 ppbv) in the tropical tropopause layer, indicating a warming and moistening effect on air entering the stratosphere by the pollutants in Asia.

Su, H., et. al., Enhanced Water Vapor Transport to the Stratosphere by Pollutants in Asia, J. Climate, 2010, Submitted.

10.13.2010