Aerosol Radiative Forcing: direct effect The effect of aerosol on the energy flux of the atmosphere depends on particle size and composition Dark particles(soot-containing) tend to absorb light, thus warming Earth's atmosphere Small particles tend to scatter light, thus increasing the albedo of the atmosphereAerosol Radiative Forcing: direct effect • The effect of aerosol on the energy flux of the atmosphere depends on particle size and composition. – Dark particles (soot–containing) tend to absorb light, thus warming Earth’s atmosphere. – Small particles tend to scatter light, thus increasing the albedo of the atmosphere