"When in doubt, observe and ask questions. When certain, observe at length and ask many more questions."
Created this thread as a one stop solution for all members so that all the doubts wherein any conceptual clarification is required can be solved here.
Does increase in aerosol effect cloud formation?Yes. The more aerosol particles, the more cloud droplets.
Also, with more aerosols, the reflective characteristic of the clouds is enhanced =>they reflect more Sunlight. (Asked in Pre'19)
More rainfall with more droplets + Less Sunlight reaches the Earth =>Global cooling type situation.
@dragon_rider but vision says decrease in cloud cover!!
Context could be different. If aerosols absorb most of the Sunlight, they will prevent cloud formation.
But, in general, the generally accepted version as per my knowledge is that aerosol provide the surface for the vapour and act as their condensation nuclei.
Could you please share the context in which it was mentioned?
Found an article on this- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/aerosols-affect-cloud-cover-says-study-8280
@dragon_rider when aerosols increases less cloud formation and less aerosols more cloud formation!!??? Isn't it???@AzadHindFauz am I on the right lines now?
Not necessarily. It depends on a lot of factors. Think of it this way. In the night, the absence of sunlight would mean a more pronounced effect of condensation and hence, clouds formation. In daytime, despite their abundance, aerosols might perform the activity of absorption more. Even the vapour droplets need a conducive temperature for condensation. Sunlight would deter both!
But in official site of wii india it is not given...
Do you have any idea@AzadHindFauz @dragon_rider ?
Does increase in aerosol effect cloud formation?
Will entirely depends on the type of aerosol. For example, those volcanic aerosols which are reflective and can form nuclei easily will help in cloud formation. On the other hand, aerosols like black soot will lead to positive feedback leading to the dispersion of the clouds. But if you encounter such a question in the real exam, mark on "it will increase clouds" avoiding hairsplitting.