Particles that consist of sulfur compounds formed by the interaction of sulfur dioxide and sulfur dioxide with other compounds in the atmosphere. Sulfate aerosols are injected into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels and the eruption of volcanoes such as Mt. Pinatubo. Sulfate aerosols can lower the Earth's temperature by reflecting solar radiation (negative radiation). General circulation models that include the effects of sulfate aerosols more accurately predict changes in global temperature.