Researchers pinpoint promising approach for analyzing atmospheric particles from space

A new analysis has revealed that advanced satellite-based instrument capabilities are needed for global monitoring of microscopic particles, or aerosols, in the stratospheric layer of the atmosphere. Aerosols in the stratosphere--located above approximately 12 kilometers--increase drastically after a volcanic eruption, leading to changes in the Earth's climate and providing a critical opportunity to test scientific models designed to predict short- and long-term climate variations.