Abstract
The determination of the optical properties of smoke aerosols is a critical factor in assessing the climatic impact of such aerosols. These properties are functions of the chemical composition, concentration, morphology and size distribution of the aerosol. The composition depends on type of fuel and conditions under which it is burnt. The size and morphology are determined by formation processes and subsequent microphysical processes. Since in a dynamic system these physical properties of the particles are changing with time, the optical properties also alter.