Dear friend Qinghao Li

Thank you for raising such a thoughtful question regarding the influence of aerosols on cloud properties. Your inquiry about how microscopic changes in cloud microphysics might translate into broader, macrophysical alterations is both timely and significant for our understanding of atmospheric processes.

Indeed, it is plausible that small-scale modifications—such as changes in droplet size or concentration due to aerosols—could aggregate to affect larger-scale cloud characteristics like cover, thickness, or even lifetime. For example, increased aerosol concentrations can lead to clouds with more numerous but smaller droplets, potentially enhancing cloud reflectivity and inhibiting precipitation, which in turn may prolong cloud presence and alter cloud cover. These effects are often observed in stratiform clouds under polluted conditions, but the extent and nature of the impact can vary with cloud type and environmental context.

To robustly establish these correlations, model simulations that couple microphysical and macrophysical processes are invaluable. Cloud-resolving models (CRMs) and large-eddy simulations (LES) are particularly useful, as they can capture detailed microphysical interactions while also representing cloud-scale dynamics. Complementing these models with satellite and ground-based observational data can provide empirical support and help validate simulation results. Additionally, targeted laboratory or field experiments—such as those involving cloud chambers or aircraft campaigns—can offer controlled insights into specific mechanisms, further strengthening the evidence base.

I encourage you to consider integrating these various approaches to gain a comprehensive perspective. If you have specific scenarios or datasets in mind, I would be glad to discuss them further or suggest potential collaborations.

Some important articles to read/cite:

Article Organic matter determination for street dust in Delhi

Chapter Air Pollution and Climate Change: Relationship Between Air Q...

Article Defining Aerosols by physical and chemical characteristics

Article Indian Journal of Air Pollution Control, March, 2009, “Defin...

Best regards,

Kaushik

Dear Qinghao Li,

Thanks for this very intuitive question. We know that aerosols and phenomena are difficult to understand in different conditions, and sometimes it can become a bit confusing also.

No, aerosols cannot influence the clouds macrophysical properties directly but indeed their presence can influence microphysical properties and which can indirectly influence the cloud macrophysical properties.