Question
Describe the significance of small solid particles in the atmosphere.
Solution
The small solid particles present in the atmosphere originate from different sources and include sea salts, fine soil, smoke-soot, ash, pollen, dust and disintegrated particles of meteors. Most of the solid particles are kept in suspension in the atmosphere.
These particulates help in the scattering of solar radiation which adds varying charming colour of red and orange at dawn and dusk. The selective scattering of solar radiation by dust particles make the sky appear blue. Dust and salt particles act as hygroscopic nuclei around which water vapour condenses to produce clouds. Thus there is a great significance of small solid dust particles (the particulate matter) in the atmosphere.
