The human development of our planet has a variety of negative impacts on the composition of its atmosphere at every scale locally, regionally, and even globally.
Atmospheric chemistry occurs within a fabric of complicated atmospheric dynamics and physics.
This interplay often results in nonlinear and often counterintuitive changes of the system when anthropogenic emissions change. The atmospheric particulate matter is one of the most fascinating components of our atmosphere. Atmospheric aerosol consists of particles varying in size from a few nanometers to approximately 10 micrometers consisting of a mixture of inorganic salts, organics, and water. These particles may be emitted directly or formed in the atmosphere by transformation of gaseous emissions such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic substances. Atmospheric particles can cause health problems, visibility reduction, contribute to acidic deposition and material damage, but also are a major player in the energy balance of the planet.