Atmospheric aerosols and global climate

The present day knowledge is summarized and the atmospheric aerosols are given in model size distributions. The optical properties relevant for climatological considerations are given. The most recent data about the stratospheric aerosol are given and the correlation with volcanic activities is discussed. Claimed man-made influences upon the global aerosols are critically discussed. While the influences of the stratospheric aerosol on global temperature seem to be confirmed the influence of the tropospheric aerosol remains speculative.