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News Release 15-150
Scientists discover that salty sea spray affects clouds
Aerosols have impact on cloud composition, duration
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![Oceans send plumes of sea spray into the atmosphere as waves hit a rocky coast](/news/mmg/media/images/monster-wave-oregon-coast_NOAA_f.jpg)
Oceans send plumes of sea spray into the atmosphere, altering the formation and duration of clouds.
Credit: NOAA
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![waves and sea spray](/news/mmg/media/images/Sea_spray,_Hurst_Spit_Wikimedia Commons Jim Champion_f.jpg)
Ice nucleating particles from sea spray make their way into clouds, affecting clouds' longevity.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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![Clouds](/news/mmg/media/images/1280px-As_1_Wikimedia Commons_f.jpg)
Clouds cover 60 percent of Earth's surface at any given time.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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![Clouds](/news/mmg/media/images/1280px-Clouds_over_Africa_Wikimedia Commons_f.jpg)
Clouds' ability to reflect solar energy and absorb radiation affect Earth's climate.
Credit: NOAA
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![ocean with waves](/news/mmg/media/images/open ocean sea spray_NOAA_f.jpg)
Earth's oceans and atmosphere are inextricably linked in how long clouds last.
Credit: NOAA
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![clouds over water](/news/mmg/media/images/flux-clouds_NOAA_f.jpg)
Ice nucleating particles from oceans are distinct from those on land, scientists have found.
Credit: NOAA
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