Aerosols affect climate by scattering and absorbing radiation and by modifying the physical and radiative properties of clouds. Despite their importance in the climate system, the temporal and spatial variability of aerosols is not well understood. Measurements and reliable estimates of atmospheric turbidity--the total column amount of aerosol--are scarce in most countries. Although the majority of anthropogenic aerosols (i.e. pollution) are emitted in the Northern Hemisphere, there appear to be very few reliable long-term records of atmospheric turbidity for the northern half of the globe.

This research employed a recently developed radiation-based model, together with satellite and climate data, to estimate total-column aerosol at 13 weather-station locations across Germany. Statistical, graphical, and analytical techniques were used to evaluate seasonal, interannual, and spatial variability in aerosols. These analyses, as well as an assessment of the degree to which pollution may be augmenting the background aerosol load, will be presented. This paper will provide new estimates of aerosol trends and variability for Germany.