Aerosols exert decisive influence to important properties of the
atmosphere. Aerosols represent low concentrations of fine particles in
the surrounding atmosphere which exist in solid or liquid phase. The
phase difference is critical for aerosol effects to - the optical
properties of the atmosphere (The radiation balance is affected by
absorption or reflection of light on surfaces, with consequences to
climate) - cloud formation (particles are nuclei for condensation of
cloud droplets, affecting weather and climate) - atmospheric chemistry
(particle surface enables and catalyzes transformation of air
pollutants) - health (particles may become trapped in the respiratory
tract or transfer into the cardiovascular system causing inflammations).
Furthermore, fine particles may remain airborne over large distances and
are important for the transport of biologically important trace
compounds. They also contribute to global distribution of prebiotic
structures as well as viruses, bacteria or fungal spores. This volume
compiles the achievements and contributions of Austrian research to this
important field. Members from the Clean Air Commission of the Austrian
Academy of Sciences and guest authors provide an overview of the state
of science in Austria in its relationship to the international advances.
Starting from developing measuring instruments to the results and
interpretation of field campaigns, the contributions also show how
measurement results are apportioned to individual sources, and how their
health impacts are quantified. Another strand of methods includes
emission modelling and simulation of emission abatement options, which
furthermore serves to assess the regional distribution of air pollution
as well as the global circulation in terms of establishing its impact to
climate. The health impacts of aerosols are at least discussed in the
public debate, while still not leading to the implementation of emission
abatement as would be needed. The exploration of aerosol in its relation
to climate has not even arrived at that stage. Considerable additional
scientific attention is required. Further studies are needed on
quantifying the effects of adark absorbing aerosol that acts like a
greenhouse gas, versus the reflecting awhite aerosol which decreases any
warming effect from anthropogenic activities. This theme will be covered
to some extent by the upcoming 5th IPCC assessment report, but moreover
provide ample opportunity to further contributions of Austrian aerosol
scientists to a global benefit.
