IAS BABA

Black Carbon and black carbon aerosols

A recent study conducted on Tibetan plateau showed that
increase in South Asian black Carbon aerosols is increasing loss
of glaciers from Tibetan Plateau.

Baba’s Prelims P.O.V

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WHAT IS BLACK CARBON?

Black carbon, or soot, is part of fine particulate air pollution

(PM2.5) and contributes to climate change. Black carbon is
formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood and
other fuels.

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Black Carbon aerosols

1 It is produced by the
incomplete combustion of
fossil fuels and biomass.

2 It has strong absorption of

solar radiation like- visible
and infrared radiation.

3 It is also called soot and is

part of particulate matter
above PM2.5.

4 Thus, it contributes to
pollution and Global
warming.

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Key highlights of the study

1 Black carbon deposition in snow reduces the albedo

of surfaces which accelerate melting of glaciers and
snow cover and changes hydrological process and
water resources in the region.

2 Albedo is ability to reflect back Sun’s radiations.

3 Black carbon aerosols in South Asia heat up the middle

and upper atmosphere and increases North South
temperature gradient.

4 This increases convective activity in South Asia which

causes convergence of water vapour in South Asia.

5 Black carbon also increases the number of cloud

condensation nuclei in the atmosphere