Earth  ID: 30641

Simulated Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfate Aerosols

Released on December 10, 2014
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Sulfur and Sulfates animation of Sept 1 - Dec 31, 2006
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an atmospheric pollutant that poses significant threats to human health. High concentrations of SO2 irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs, and can result in temporary breathing impairment. It is also a precursor to sulfuric acid, a major constituent of acid rain. SO2 is produced by the combustion of coal, fuel oil, and gasoline (since these fuels contain sulfur), and in the oxidation of naturally occurring sulfur gases, such as in volcanic eruptions. Volcanic plumes, rich in ash and SO2, are a hazard to aviation. Emitted SO2 is oxidized to form sulfate aerosols that that can alter the brightness of clouds and precipitation. Sulfate aerosols persist for long periods of time and can contribute to climate change. This simulation, produced by the Goddard Earth Observing System Model Version 5 (GEOS-5), shows SO2 and sulfate aerosols at 7-kilometer resolution from September 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. Simulations such as this allow scientists to better understand how SO2 and sulfate aerosols travel through the atmosphere and impact Earth’s climate.
 

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Credits

William Putman (NASA/GSFC): Lead Animator
Eric Sokolowsky (Global Science and Technology, Inc.): Project Support
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

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https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/30641

Keywords:
SVS >> HDTV
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Atmosphere >> Aerosols >> Sulfate Particles
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Atmosphere >> Atmospheric Chemistry/Sulfur Compounds >> Sulfur Dioxide
SVS >> Hyperwall
SVS >> GEOS
NASA Science >> Earth
NASA Earth Science Focus Areas >> Atmospheric Composition

GCMD keywords can be found on the Internet with the following citation: Olsen, L.M., G. Major, K. Shein, J. Scialdone, S. Ritz, T. Stevens, M. Morahan, A. Aleman, R. Vogel, S. Leicester, H. Weir, M. Meaux, S. Grebas, C.Solomon, M. Holland, T. Northcutt, R. A. Restrepo, R. Bilodeau, 2013. NASA/Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Earth Science Keywords. Version 8.0.0.0.0