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Climate change (Thesaurus)

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Concept information

Preferred term

global dimming  

Definition

  • The reduction in the amount of global direct irradiance at the Earth's surface that has been observed since systematic measurements began in the 1950s. The effect varies by location, but worldwide it has been estimated to be of the order of a 4–20% reduction. However, after discounting an anomaly caused by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, a very slight reversal in the overall trend has been observed. Global dimming is thought to have been caused by an increase in particulates or aerosols, such as sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere due to human action. It has interfered with the hydrological cycle by reducing evaporation and may have reduced rainfall in some areas. (Source: Wikipedia)

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • solar dimming
  • solar downwelling

In other languages

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/CHC-RJBT6J8B-W

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