Definition of black carbon

1) Emitted during the burning of coal, diesel fuel, natural gas and biomass and is part of the composition of soot. Black Carbon can absorb and reflect sunlight cooling the Earth?s surface, but also increase solar energy absorbed in the atmosphere warming it. These effects are thought to effect global climate and rainfall cycles. Black Carbon increases the effect of global warming, visibility problems, and health problems.

source: [Science; 4 March 2005; Vol. 307; No. 5714; p. 1454.] [Environmental Science & Technology; March 15 2005; Vol. 39; No. 6; p. 1861.]?