Modeling the spectral optical properties of ammonium sulfate and biomass burning aerosols: Parameterization of relative humidity effects and model results

Abstract

Due to the increased importance of accurate estimation of the scattering and absorption of solar radiation by aerosols, methods to treat aerosol optical properties more accurately were evaluated. Emphasis was on the techniques to parameterize the spatial and temporal variability of optical properties from variations in relative humidity and dry aerosol composition. Assumptions of the dry size distributions were combined with equilibrium calculations of size and composition at a range of relative humidities. By parameterizing the results of off-line Mie calculations, aerosol radiative forcing calculations within the context of a general circulation model was accomplished.