Chemistry of Atmospheric Brown Carbon

The chemistry of atmospheric brown carbon (BrC) is reviewed. BrC is now recognized as an important component in the atmosphere that affects climate forcing through a combination of direct effects on the transmission of solar and terrestrial radiation and indirect effects resulting from changes in cloud formation and microphysics. In addition, long-range transport and deposition of BrC most likely play a role in carbon and nitrogen cycling between atmosphere, land, and water and contribute to the formation of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The existing evidence suggests that even a very small weight fraction of strongly absorbing BrC chromophores may have a distinct effect on organic aerosols (OA)…

• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  Awards: NA13OAR4310062, NA13OAR4310066
• DO
  Division of Chemistry

  Award: CHE-0909227
• DO
  Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences

  Award: AGS-1227579
• BE
  Basic Energy Sciences
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research