Scientists reveal the hidden source of melting snow: dark brown carbon

Fires leave behind powerful climate heaters, particles that increase the absorption of sunlight and heat the atmosphere. These aerosols falling on the snow like a woolen poncho darken and reduce the reflectivity of the surface of snowy places. However, how different types of smoke particles contribute to these effects has not been understood until now. In a study recently published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science researchers from Washington University in St. Louis model how dark brown carbon (d-BrC)—light-absorbing, water-insoluble organic carbon—from fires plays a much larger role than snow. -heating agent as previously noted. It is 1.6 times more effective than what scientists previously thought was the main culprit, black carbon. (Leah Shaffer, Washington University in St. Louis, more on phys.org)