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(MSA) This may be a significant component of
atmospheric aerosol particles that form from the atmospheric oxidation of dimethylsulfide (DMS), when this DMS is produced by phytoplankton. These aerosol
particles can lead to the formation of cloud condensation nuclei, water droplet
formation, and hence clouds and storm formation. This therefore may contribute
to the turbulent mixing of oceanic surface waters and subsequent upwelling of
nutrients that feed those microorganisms (a positive feedback cycle). It is
thought that increased emissions of dimethylsulfide, and subsequent
methanesulfonic acid over the oceans from an increase in sea water temperature
may have a negative feedback on global warming by increasing cloud formation;
although the net effect of clouds on global warming is very unclear at this
point.
[Baird, Colin. Environmental Chemistry, p. 179, W.H. Freeman and Company,
1995.]
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