How Trees Influence Cloud Formation

The Role of Sesquiterpenes in Cloud Formation

As part of the international CLOUD project at the nuclear research centre CERN, researchers at PSI have identified sesquiterpenes as a major factor in cloud formation. This finding has significant implications for climate models and predictions. The study has been published in the journal Science Advances.

According to the latest projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global climate will be 1.5 to 4.4 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels by 2100. To meet the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to understand the processes that occur in the atmosphere and their impact on temperature changes. The CLOUD project aims to establish these processes through international collaboration between atmospheric researchers at CERN. PSI has contributed to the project by helping to build the CLOUD chamber and being a member of the project’s steering committee.

The Mystery of Cloud Formation

Cloud cover plays a crucial role in predicting climate as it reflects solar radiation and cools the earth’s surface. To form clouds, water vapor requires condensation nuclei, which are provided by aerosols in the atmosphere. These aerosols can be natural or anthropogenic in origin. One important natural component is sesquiterpenes, which are released by vegetation and contribute to aerosol formation when they react with ozone in the air.

Greenhouse Gases That You Can Smell

Sulphur dioxide, mainly from burning coal and oil, is the main anthropogenic gas that contributes to aerosol formation. Isoprenes, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes are the key natural gases involved, released by vegetation. While sulphur dioxide concentrations have been decreasing due to stricter environmental legislation, terpene concentrations are increasing due to climate stress. Understanding the contribution of each of these substances to aerosol formation is crucial for improving climate predictions.

Sesquiterpenes Are Rare but Effective

Sesquiterpenes have not been extensively studied due to their low frequency and reactivity with ozone. However, a recent study conducted at the CLOUD chamber revealed that sesquiterpenes play a significant role in cloud formation. They form ten times more particles than other organic substances at the same concentration. This finding highlights the importance of including sesquiterpenes as a separate factor in climate models to improve their accuracy.

Persistent Particles Lead to More Clouds

Experiments conducted in the CLOUD chamber showed that the oxidation of a natural mixture of isoprenes, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes produces ultra-low-volatility organic compounds (ULVOCs), which efficiently form particles and serve as condensation nuclei. Sesquiterpenes had a particularly significant effect on particle formation, even at low concentrations. Including sesquiterpenes in climate models is crucial for predicting cloud formation accurately.

Further studies are planned to investigate the impact of anthropogenic gases on atmospheric composition during industrialization. Understanding these processes will contribute to more accurate climate predictions and help address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action.

Reference:

Dada L, Stolzenburg D, Simon M, et al. Role of sesquiterpenes in biogenic new particle formation. Science Advances. 2023;9(36):eadi5297. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adi5297

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States

   The article discusses the uncertainties in climate predictions and the need to understand atmospheric processes to improve climate models. By identifying sesquiterpenes as a major factor in cloud formation, the research contributes to strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1) and integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning (Target 13.2). The findings also contribute to improving education and awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation (Target 13.3) and promoting mechanisms for effective climate change planning and management (Target 13.b).

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services
   • Target 15.2: Promote the sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

   The article highlights the role of vegetation in releasing sesquiterpenes, which are key components of essential oils. Understanding the impact of these compounds on cloud formation contributes to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) and the promotion of sustainable forest management (Target 15.2). It also helps in reducing the degradation of natural habitats and protecting biodiversity (Target 15.5).

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: technologynetworks.com

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