The research shows that natural emissions from the ocean play a greater role in cloud formation than previously understood. The findings help resolve a long-standing discrepancy between atmospheric observations over remote oceans and climate model predictions, and are expected to improve the representation of cloud formation in climate models, leading to more accurate climate projections.

The results highlight the important role of methanesulfonic acid (MSA), a compound produced from natural marine emissions. While sulfuric acid has long been considered the dominant driver of atmospheric particle formation, the study demonstrates that MSA plays an equally important role over remote oceans, particularly at low temperatures. The combined action of MSA and sulfuric acid was found to significantly enhance particle formation compared to either compound alone.

Dr. Theodoros Christoudias, co-author of the study, highlighted that the research improves understanding of how ocean-derived emissions are transformed in the atmosphere into particles that enable cloud formation, while also supporting better preparedness for the impacts of climate change, particularly in regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean that are already experiencing accelerated warming.

The publication in Nature further reflects the contribution of The Cyprus Institute’s research community to addressing key global challenges in climate science, with particular relevance for climate resilience efforts in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.