Supervisor: Fabian Mahrt

Aerosols, tiny airborne particles, are ubiquitous in Earth’s atmosphere. They strongly impact human health. Aerosols are also key for climate, directly via scattering and absorption of radiation and indirectly by acting as nuclei for clouds, which subsequently affect Earth’s energy budget and hence the climate.

With climate change being one of the most pressing matters of our time, we are going to find out about the importance of clouds in this and which consequences arise from aerosols, as well as where they come from.
After this, we move to some physical concepts that are taking place as clouds form in the presence of aerosols.
Being aware of the two key mechanisms here leads us to the question, if clouds can be modified or even generated by purposely placing aerosols in the atmosphere.

As we will see, scientists are already conducting field measurements and providing promising data.
In the end, attendees will have a grasp on the great impact aerosols have on clouds and hence the climate.