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News Release 10-243
Broken Glass Yields Clues to Climate Change
Ordinary drinking glasses and atmospheric dust particles break apart in similar patterns
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![Satellite image of a 1992 dust storm over the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia with different sizes of dust.](/news/mmg/media/images/broken_glass1_f.jpg)
The comparative sizes of dust particles in the atmosphere. The photo is a satellite image of a 1992 dust storm over the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia.
Credit: NCAR
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![Photo showing blue, yellow and red colors of atmosphere.](/news/mmg/media/images/broken_glass2_f.jpg)
The secret of atmospheric dust and its relationship with climate may be in a drinking glass.
Credit: NASA
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![Illustration showing Earth's energy budget and incoming solar radiation.](/news/mmg/media/images/broken_glass3_f.jpg)
Earth's energy budget and incoming solar radiation are affected by dust in the atmosphere.
Credit: NASA
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