Abstract
Size-resolved cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) spectra measured for various aerosol types at a
non-urban site in Germany showed that CCN concentrations are mainly determined by the aerosol
number size distribution. Distinct variations of CCN activation with particle chemical composition
were observed but played a secondary role. When the temporal variation of chemical effects on
CCN activation is neglected, variation in the size distribution alone explains 84 to 96% of the
variation in CCN concentrations. Understanding that particles’ ability to act as CCN is largely
controlled by aerosol size rather than composition greatly facilitates the treatment of aerosol
effects on cloud physics in regional and global models.
non-urban site in Germany showed that CCN concentrations are mainly determined by the aerosol
number size distribution. Distinct variations of CCN activation with particle chemical composition
were observed but played a secondary role. When the temporal variation of chemical effects on
CCN activation is neglected, variation in the size distribution alone explains 84 to 96% of the
variation in CCN concentrations. Understanding that particles’ ability to act as CCN is largely
controlled by aerosol size rather than composition greatly facilitates the treatment of aerosol
effects on cloud physics in regional and global models.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1375-1378 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 312 |
Issue number | 5778 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Bibliographical note
The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.The record was previously connected to the following departments: Nuclear Physics (Faculty of Technology) (011013007)
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Subatomic Physics