Satellite observations show large marine aerosol property variations over global oceans. With new A-train satellite measurements, this study explores processes controlling these aerosol variations. Results show that marine aerosol optical depth is controlled by both winddriven sea-spray process, and vertical transportation and mixing driven by turbulence. Furthermore, marine aerosol layer consists a well-mixed layer near surface and upper decoupled layer, and the whole boundary layer depth is mainly responded to surface heating and upper temperature inversion depression. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.