title: Direct Radiative Forcing by Smoke from Biomass Burning
abstract: Airborne measurements in smoke from biomass burning in Brazil have yielded optical parameters that permit an improved assessment of the effects of smoke on Earth's radiation balance. The global-mean direct radiative forcing due to smoke from biomass burning worldwide is estimated to be no more than about -0.3 watt per square meter (cooling), compared with +2.45 watts per square meter (warming) due to anthropogenic greenhouse gases. On regional scales, direct radiative forcing due to smoke can be large and might indirectly affect global climate.
authors.affiliation: P. V. Hobbs, J. S. Reid, R. A. Kotchenruther, R. J. Ferek, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1640, USA. R. Weiss, Radiance Research, Seattle, WA 98177, USA.
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Hobbs
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kotchenruther
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ferek
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weiss