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Clouds are formed when water vapor, an invisible gas in the atmosphere, attaches to airborne particles such as dust. turns into liquid water droplets or ice crystals. A newly published study shows that: Microplastic particles may have a similar effectice crystals form at temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (9 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than droplets without microplastics.
This suggests that microplastics in the air can influence weather and climate by forming clouds in conditions where they would not normally form.
we in the atmosphere chemist They study how different types of particles form ice when they come into contact with liquid water. This process takes place constantly in the atmosphere, called nucleation.
Clouds in the atmosphere are made up of: liquid water droplets, ice particles, or mixtures Of the two of us. Clouds in the middle to upper atmosphere with temperatures between 32 and -36 degrees Fahrenheit (0 and -38 degrees Celsius) typically have ice crystals around mineral dust particles from dry soils and biological particles such as pollen and bacteria. will be formed.
Microplastics are less than 5 millimeters wide, about the size of a pencil eraser. Some are microscopic. Scientists have discovered them in the following locations: Antarctic deep sea, Everest summitand fresh snow in Antarctica. These pieces are very small and can be easily disassembled. carried into the air.
Clouds are an important part of Earth’s complex weather system, influencing precipitation, temperature, and climate.
why is it important
Ice in clouds has an important influence on weather and climate, as most precipitation is normal. Starts as an ice particle.
Many cloud tops in non-tropical regions of the world extend far enough into the atmosphere that cold air freezes some of their moisture. And when ice forms, inhale water vapor The more the crystal falls from the surrounding droplets, the heavier it becomes. If ice does not develop, clouds tend to evaporate rather than cause rain or snowfall.
Children learn in elementary school that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), but that’s not always true. When there is no core material such as dust particles or water Can be supercooled It can withstand temperatures as low as -36 degrees Fahrenheit (-38 degrees Celsius) before freezing.
