Sulphate Aerosol

Particulate matter that consists of compounds of sulphur formed by the interaction of sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide with other compounds in the atmosphere. Sulphate aerosols are injected into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and the eruption of volcanoes like Mt. Pinatubo. Recent theory suggests that sulphate aerosols may lower the earth's temperature by reflecting away solar radiation (a process known as negative radiative forcing). Global Climate Models (q.v.) which incorporate the effects of sulphate aerosols more accurately predict global temperature variations.