Open questions on transition metals driving secondary thermal processes in atmospheric aerosols COMMENT

Transition metals are increasingly recognized as key drivers in the formation and aging of light-absorbing organic aerosols, known as brown carbon, which impact the energy flux in the atmosphere. Here the authors discuss somewhat overlooked condensed phase chemical processes and identify research needs to improve our fundamental understanding of atmospheric aerosols and ultimately reduce modelling uncertainties of the direct and indirect effects of aerosol particles on the climate.

Automated summary

Transition metals are increasingly recognized as key drivers in the formation and aging of light-absorbing organic aerosols, known as brown carbon, impacting the energy flux in the atmosphere. The authors discuss overlooked condensed phase chemical processes and identify research needs to improve our understanding of atmospheric aerosols and reduce modeling uncertainties in the effects of aerosol particles on climate.