Home > Terms > English, UK (UE) > Methanesulfonic acid (MSA)
Methanesulfonic acid (MSA)
This may be a significant component of atmospheric aerosol particles that form from the atmospheric oxidation of dimethylsulfide (DMS), when this DMS is produced by phytoplankton. These aerosol particles can lead to the formation of cloud condensation nuclei, water droplet formation, and hence clouds and storm formation. This therefore may contribute to the turbulent mixing of oceanic surface waters and subsequent upwelling of nutrients that feed those microorganisms (a positive feedback cycle). It is thought that increased emissions of dimethylsulfide, and subsequent methanesulfonic acid over the oceans from an increase in sea water temperature may have a negative feedback on global warming by increasing cloud formation; although the net effect of clouds on global warming is very unclear at this point.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Synonym(s):
- Blossary:
- Industry/Domain: Chemistry; Weather
- Category: Atmospheric chemistry
- Educational Institution: Sam Houston State University
- Product:
- Acronym-Abbreviation:
Other Languages:
Member comments
Terms in the News
Featured Terms
oxygen battery
The oxygen battery is a bio-implantable device that can be placed inside a person's blood vessel so it continuously releases oxygen into the blood ...
Contributor
Featured blossaries
Browers Terms By Category
- Muscular(158)
- Brain(145)
- Human body(144)
- Developmental anatomy(72)
- Nervous system(57)
- Arteries(53)
Anatomy(873) Terms
- Rice science(2869)
- Genetic engineering(2618)
- General agriculture(2596)
- Agricultural programs & laws(1482)
- Animal feed(538)
- Dairy science(179)
Agriculture(10727) Terms
- Hair salons(194)
- Laundry facilities(15)
- Vetinary care(12)
- Death care products(3)
- Gyms(1)
- Portrait photography(1)
Consumer services(226) Terms
- Characters(952)
- Fighting games(83)
- Shmups(77)
- General gaming(72)
- MMO(70)
- Rhythm games(62)
Video games(1405) Terms
- Yachting(31)
- Ship parts(4)
- Boat rentals(2)
- General sailing(1)