Determination of the Optical Properties of Dust and Pollution Aerosols, Their Radiative Forcing Climate Effects across China

China is a major emission source of dust and pollution aerosols in the world whose optical properties were not known until recently. In this talk, I’ll present some findings concerning the spatial and temporal variations of aerosol optical depth, single scattering albedo and their radiative forcing obtained by means of ground and space-borne observations. Their direct radiative effects will be simulated by running the NCAR/CCM3 using observational data. A focus will be placed on the aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) that is a key parameter determining aerosol radiative forcing, especially the disposition of solar energy between the atmosphere and surface. Unfortunately, SSA is one of the most difficult variables to measure directly or infer indirectly. Various methods have been developed and applied both for laboratory and large-scale applications using ground and satellite measurements. Using the derived single scattering albedo and measured aerosol optical depth, aerosol radiative forcing is estimated at the top, bottom and inside of the atmosphere. Their climatic effects are then simulated with the NCAR’s GCM in terms of their alteration to general circulation, precipitation, humidity, wind, etc.