Spatial Changes in the Composition of Aerosol Structures

Abstract

The state-of-the-art in the physical chemistry of atmospheric aerosols is considered. Special emphasis is laid on the sources and possible mechanisms of their formation and their composition. It is pointed out that contaminants of anthropogenic origin in lower atmosphere layers provoke global climatic changes. The positive and negative effects of aerosols on the environment are studied. The need for a theory of aerosols with the purpose of solving the urgent environmental problems is substantiated. Aerosols may both good and harmful for a person. Artificial aerosols are used to treat people and animals, provoke rain, prevent hail, etc. The solution of many problems, even those crucial for the future of human existence on the Earth, depend on the successful development of aerosol theory. It is shown that the effect of aerosols on the climate is now incorrectly estimated primarily due to inaccuracy in studying the formation of atmospheric aerosols and a lack of information about their physicochemical properties.