Are Microplastics Effecting Our Weather?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size. These fragments have permeated every corner of our planet, from the depths of the ocean to the peaks of mountains and even into our atmosphere. They are well known to cause issues to our environment and health, and now new research indicates that they are even able to influence our weather patterns.

Airbourne Microplastics

It is estimated that approximately 25 million metric tons of microplastics are transported through the atmosphere worldwide each year. These microscopic particles are primarily carried into the air by terrestrial winds from various surfaces, including land, oceans and urban areas. Human activities have also significantly contributed to the spread of microplastics. The incineration of waste, including plastics and synthetic materials, releases these particles into the atmosphere. Additionally, industrial emissions further contaminate the air on both local and global levels.

Impact On Climate Systems

Once in the atmosphere, microplastics can act as artificial cloud condensation nuclei, influencing cloud properties like their density and lifespan. This can lead to changes in rainfall patterns, affecting both intensity and frequency in certain areas. They may also interact with sunlight, either reflecting or absorbing its heat which can potentially disrupt localised weather systems. Additionally, their composition often includes toxic substances that can impact atmospheric chemistry.

One of the more intriguing potential effects of microplastics is their role in influencing atmospheric circulation. An increase in airborne microplastics could alter air density, affecting air movement, wind patterns and jet streams. These changes in atmospheric dynamics may disrupt thermal movements and precipitation patterns, potentially influencing weather events such as droughts and floods. The resulting shifts in weather systems could have significant impacts on natural ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the health of habitats.

The Albedo Effect

In addition to influencing weather patterns, airborne microplastics may also contribute to global warming. The Albedo Effect refers to a surface’s ability to reflect sunlight, with surfaces like snow and ice having high albedo, helping to keep temperatures low by reflecting most of the sunlight that hits them. When microplastics settle on these surfaces, they reduce reflectivity, causing more sunlight to be absorbed, thereby raising the temperature. They can have a similar effect on the oceans. Not only can they raise water temperatures, but they may also impact its salinity. The combined effect of accelerated ice and snow melt, along with rising ocean temperatures, could significantly contribute to global warming.

Further Research

The study of microplastics and their effects on the atmosphere is still in its early stages, with research on the topic gaining more traction in the 2010s. While the full extent of their impact on the atmosphere remains unclear, researchers are using theoretical models to predict their potential future effects. These models aim to simulate how microplastics could influence weather patterns, air quality and global ecosystems in the coming decades.

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