Rainforest Emissions Drive Particle Formation in Upper Atmosphere

New research links isoprene from tropical forests to high-altitude aerosol particles, revealing implications for cloud formation and climate models.

• Scientists have identified isoprene, a hydrocarbon emitted by vegetation, as a key driver of aerosol particle formation in the upper troposphere over tropical regions like the Amazon.
• The study shows that trace amounts of sulfuric acid or iodine oxoacids can enhance particle formation rates by up to 100 times under extremely cold conditions.
• These aerosol particles act as cloud condensation nuclei, influencing cloud formation, reflectivity, and potentially the Earth's climate system.
• Findings were derived from experiments in CERN's CLOUD chamber, replicating upper-tropospheric conditions such as temperatures below -30°C.
• This research improves understanding of the interaction between rainforest emissions and atmospheric chemistry, offering potential advancements in climate prediction models.

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