Cloud condensation nuclei production associated with atmospheric nucleation: a synthesis based on existing literature and new results
Författare
Summary, in English
This paper synthesizes the available scientific information connecting atmospheric nucleation with subsequent cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) formation. We review both observations and model studies related to this topic, and discuss the potential climatic implications. We conclude that CCN production associated with atmospheric nucleation is both frequent and widespread phenomenon in many types of continental boundary layers, and probably also over a large fraction of the free troposphere. The contribution of nucleation to the global CCN budget spans a relatively large uncertainty range, which, together with our poor understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions, results in major uncertainties in the radiative forcing by atmospheric aerosols. In order to better quantify the role of atmospheric nucleation in CCN formation and Earth System behavior, more information is needed on (i) the factors controlling atmospheric CCN production and (ii) the properties of both primary and secondary CCN and their interconnections. In future investigations, more emphasis should be put on combining field measurements with regional and large-scale model studies.
Publiceringsår
2012
Språk
Engelska
Sidor
12037-12059
Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Volym
12
Issue
24
Dokumenttyp
Artikel i tidskrift
Förlag
Copernicus GmbH
Ämne
- Subatomic Physics
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Övrigt
- ISSN: 1680-7324