Answer: Soot particles, or black carbon aerosols, generally cause warming of Earth's atmosphere by absorbing solar energy. Therefore, the correct answer is A) warming; absorbing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soot particles, also known as "black carbon aerosols," generally cause warming of Earth's atmosphere by absorbing solar energy.
Here's why:
- Soot particles are dark in color and have a strong ability to absorb sunlight. When these particles are present in the atmosphere, they absorb incoming solar radiation, particularly in the visible spectrum. This absorption leads to an increase in the energy of the soot particles and, consequently, the surrounding air.
- The absorbed solar energy by soot particles is converted into heat. This process contributes to the warming of the atmosphere, as the heat is transferred to the surrounding air through conduction and convection.
- Soot particles can also indirectly contribute to warming by altering cloud formation. They can act as cloud condensation nuclei, leading to the formation of smaller and more numerous cloud droplets. This enhances the cloud's ability to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, further trapping heat in the atmosphere.