Geophysical Institute and Department of Physics, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
99775-0800, U.S.A.
(First received 12 June 1986 and in final form 2 September 1986)
Abstract: of the particles in the atmosphere, those around a few tenths of a micrometer in size are noteworthy. Firstly,they are relatively immune to removal and therefore remain suspended for long periods, and secondly, they interact strongly with sunlight. The collective system of sub-µm aerosols, therefore, constitutes an enormously sensitive climate regulating machine. In this regard, it is interesting to note that the present quantity of biologically-produced sulfate aerosol is nearly that needed to opalize the atmosphere. This might suggest that the sulfur aerosol system plays a role in climate.