Arctic haze

noun

climatology
: a layer of aerosol particulates in the atmosphere primarily over the northwestern regions of North America
Arctic haze, mainly a mixture of sulfate and particulate organic matter, has a distinct seasonal cycle, with a maximum in late winter and early spring …Yinghui Liu et al., Journal Of Climate, 1 Apr. 2010

Note: North American Arctic haze is currently believed to be caused by industrial pollution riding the winds eastward from Asia.

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Arctic haze was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Arctic haze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Arctic%20haze. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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