Recently, large Russian cities such as Moscow have seen an increase in precipitation frequency. This phenomenon is due to the presence of aerosols in the atmosphere, explains Alexey Karnaukhov, a leading researcher at the Pushchino Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a climatologist. In an interview with Sputnik radio, he explained how aerosols affect climatic conditions in megacities.
Aerosols as condensation centers
Aerosols present in the atmosphere of megacities act as condensation centers. They are formed as a result of various processes, such as wear and tear of car tires or dust rising from roads. In conditions of high aerosol concentrations, microdroplets of moisture in the air begin to coalesce around these particles, forming larger droplets, which then fall to the ground as rain. Thus, an increase in the amount of aerosols contributes to more frequent rains.
Relativity of perception of weather changes
Karnaukhov also noted that the influence of aerosols on the frequency of precipitation should not be overestimated. The perception of the frequency of rain is subjective and can vary depending on population density and the level of urbanization. Extreme weather events cause more severe reactions in densely populated areas than in less populated areas, which may create the impression of more frequent climate changes.
Conclusion
Research shows that aerosols generated by human activities in megacities can indeed influence local climate conditions, in particular the frequency of precipitation. However, the perception of these changes can be subjective and depends on various factors, including social and demographic aspects.
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