Soot Particle (IMAGE) Washington University in St. Louis Caption Soot particles remain suspended in the atmosphere as coated with organic matter. This coating results in non-linear enhancement of solar light absorption and subsequent heating of the surrounding air by these particles. Credit Chakrabarty Lab and Lisa Wable Usage Restrictions Use allowed with credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.