Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor. It's released into the atmosphere through both natural processes and human activities.
SO2 has a unique dual role in our atmosphere. Its effects depend entirely on where it is in the atmosphere:
Key Insight: The same molecule that causes pollution and acid rain in the lower atmosphere can actually cool the planet when it reaches the upper atmosphere. Understanding this difference is crucial for climate science.