Effects on Weather - Air pollutants

Dust, smoke and other suspended particulate matter reduce visibility. Fly-ash also affects visibility by intercepting and scattering solar radiation. Reduction in visibility results in economic burden because air traffic, shipping, harbour operation and road traffic are adversely affected. Certain aerosols such as sulphuric acid mist, ammonium, sulphate mist and water vapours influence the vertical temperature profile in the atmosphere which affects thermal mixing, dispersal and the build up of pollutants. Aerosols also affect cloud formation and weather.