Litometeoros: What are, types and examples

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Like hydrometeoros, the litometers are substances that exist in the atmosphere. However, the litometers are formed by solid particles that are not composed of water in any of its forms, covering a wide variety of elements. These particles can remain suspended in the air if they are small enough, or they can be temporarily lifted from the ground by the wind if they are larger and eventually settle again. Some examples of litometers are atmospheric dust, smoke, sand storms, calima and atmospheric aerosols, among others.

Generally, the litometers are formed in arid and semi -arid regions or in areas with low moisture, since the increase in humidity makes the particles more heavier and grouped together, which makes it difficult to be raised by the wind. In this ecology article, we will tell you What are the litometers, the types and examples.

What are the Litometeoros

Litometeoros are atmospheric phenomena that They involve solid particles suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles can vary in size and composition, and their presence can have various effects in the weather and visibility.

One of the most common litometers is the Atmospheric dustmainly composed of small solid particles that They can be transported to large distances For the atmosphere. This dust can originate in various sources, such as deserts, agricultural areas or even volcanic eruptions. Its presence in the atmosphere can affect air quality and contribute to the formation of atmospheric phenomena, such as dust storms.

Another type of litometeros includes Atmospheric aerosolswhich are microscopic particles suspended in the air. These aerosols may have natural origin, as is the case of marine aerosols released by the waves of the ocean, or can be of anthropogenic origin, such as air pollutants generated by human activity. The presence of aerosols can affect solar radiation and, therefore, have an impact on climate and air quality.

Litometeoros can also demonstrate in the form of larger particles, such as Ice crystals that form the clouds and the phenomena related to the weather. Cloud formation and precipitation, whether in the form of rain, snow or hail, are examples of litometers that play a crucial role in the water cycle and in the climate regulation.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - what are the litometers

Types of Litometeoros

Litometeoros are solid particles found in the Earth’s atmosphere and that can affect weather conditions and visibility. There are two main types of litometers:

  • Suspension particles: particles found in the atmosphere and remain suspended due to their relatively lightweight weight or the action of ascending currents.
  • Particles raised by the wind: These particles are raised from the earth’s surface by the action of the wind, which can transport larger particles to higher altitudes.

Within the category of Litometeoros, it is possible to identify different types according to their physical properties and their origin. These are the most important:

  • Atmospheric dust
  • Atmospheric aerosols
  • Calima
  • Radioactive particles
  • Smoke
  • Sand storms
  • Dust swirls
  • Suspended particles

Next, we explain more in detail some types of litometers.

Atmospheric dust

Atmospheric dust consists of Fine and scattered solid particles in the atmosphere. It can originate from desert soils, agricultural activities, forest fires or volcanic eruptions. These particles can travel large distances transported by winds, affecting air quality and contributing to the formation of phenomena such as dust storms.

Atmospheric aerosols

Aerosols are smaller particles than dust, often microscopic, which can remain suspended in the air. They can have Natural originlike marine aerosols released by waves, or be generated by human activitiessuch as fossil fuel burning. Atmospheric aerosols play a crucial role in cloud formation and have significant effects on solar radiation and air quality.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - atmospheric aerosols

Calima

Calima is a type of atmospheric dust that is usually composed of very thin particles of dust and sandespecially prevailing in desert regions. This powder can be transported at large distances by winds and, when it reaches other areas, it can significantly affect visibility and air quality.

Here you will find more information about the calima: what it is, why it occurs and effects.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - Calima

Radioactive particles

Although less common, radioactive particles can also be considered litometoos. They can originate from nuclear eventssuch as atomic explosions or nuclear accidents. The presence of these particles in the atmosphere can have significant consequences for human health and the environment.

Discover radioactive pollution: causes, consequences and solutions.

Smoke

The smoke, often called “smog”, is something common in cities and industrial areas with high levels of car activity. When a temperature investment occurs, the Smog can be trapped in lower atmospheric levels. The SMOG composition is mainly made up of particles emitted by the burning of fuels.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - smoke

Sand storms

Sand storms, which predominate in dry and semi -secase areas, have their origin in regions with intense pressure variations. These pressure differentials result in the formation of vortices that amplify wind speed on open land.

As a consequence, powerful bursts transport substantial amounts of sand and dust particles to large distances, covering thousands of kilometers. Once evicted from the ground, these dust particles amount to greater altitudes within the troposphere, driven by turbulent mixtures and convective air currents.

We recommend reading this post about the sand storm: what is, how it is formed and consequences.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - sand storms

Dust swirls

In the vast extension of open desert plains, elusive phenomena known as dust swirls and dust or sand whirlpools can be found. Are rotating air columns They are a challenge of observing, since their height and form can vary greatly.

The formation of these whirlpools is the Result of unequal heating of different areas of the land. Usually, summer months occur during scorching, when the ground is heated excessively. While they are similar to tornadoes, dust swirls are smaller scale, which earned them the name of “swirls” or “wind demons” in certain regions of Latin America.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - dust swirls

Suspended particles

These particles, which may vary in size and composition, may have a natural origin or be the result of human activities. Its presence in the atmosphere has various impacts on human health, visibility and climatic patterns.

The particulate material, or PM, are microscopic particles in the air. These particles can be classified as PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) and PM2.5 (Particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less). His origin can be diverseincluding vehicular emissions, industrial activities and natural processes such as forest fires. PM has direct impacts on air quality and can affect respiratory health.

Now that you know what the litometers are, do not miss this article about the hydrometeoros: what are and types.

Litometeoros: What are, types and examples - suspended particles

If you want to read more articles similar to Litometeoros: What are, types and exampleswe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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