What are aerosols?

Aerosols are defined as minute particles or droplets that are suspended in the atmosphere. These particles can be solid or liquid and can originate from various natural and anthropogenic sources, such as volcanic eruptions, sea spray, industrial emissions, and even dust from the earth's surface. Their small size allows them to remain airborne and travel long distances, influencing weather patterns, climate, and air quality.

Understanding aerosols is particularly important in ecology and climate science because they play a significant role in the Earth's energy balance by scattering and absorbing sunlight. Additionally, aerosols can affect cloud formation and precipitation processes, which are crucial for ecosystem health. In contrast, the other choices refer to different forms of waste or emissions that do not accurately reflect the definition of aerosols.