Aerosol size and composition in the Netherlands

Anthropogenic aerosol particles scatter short-wave radiation, often to such an extent that it causes severe visibility problems in the form of regional haze. The same light-scattering properties of the anthropogenic aerosols make these particles very efficient reflectors of solar radiation. In this way manmade aerosols exert a regional cooling of the climate [1]. The focus of the present study was on quantification of this effect and for this reason aerosol measurements were performed in the summer half-year at midday, that is under the conditions with maximum solar influx and aerosol influence. Emphasis was given to characterisation of those aerosols which dominate the light-scattering and to assessment of their origin (natural versus manmade).