Jasper Kirkby

Stories

Ocean biology naturally brightens marine clouds, new research confirms

As of September 2026: Leading the experiment that identified MSA as a major marine aerosol source

A wave of 2026 studies shows that ocean biology — not just wind and sea salt — is seeding marine clouds. Phytoplankton blooms release organic compounds that turn into cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), particles that water vapor needs to form droplets. More CCN means more, smaller droplets, and clouds that reflect more sunlight back to space. This is natural cloud brightening, operating at planetary scale.

Updated Sep 20

Notable Quotes

Since MSA and SA generally coexist at similar concentrations in cool marine regions, our findings indicate that particle nucleation rates might be accelerated up to tenfold compared with sulphuric acid and ammonia alone.

from Ocean biology naturally brightens marine clouds, new research confirms · Updated Sep 20

Our model simulations indicate that MSA-driven new particle formation may account for the major missing source of marine aerosol particles in current models.

from Ocean biology naturally brightens marine clouds, new research confirms · Updated Sep 20