Particle Formation by Ion Nucleation in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere
Abstract
Unexpectedly high concentrations of ultrafine particles were observed over a wide range of latitudes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Particle number concentrations and size distributions simulated by a numerical model of ion-induced nucleation, constrained by measured thermodynamic data and observed atmospheric key species, were consistent with the observations. These findings indicate that, at typical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere conditions, particles are formed by this nucleation process and grow to measurable sizes with sufficient sun exposure and low preexisting aerosol surface area. Ion-induced nucleation is thus a globally important source of aerosol particles, potentially affecting cloud formation and radiative transfer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 26, 2003
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.1087236
Entities
People
- Albert A Viggiano
- D. E. Hunton
- J. C. Wilson
- J. M. Reeves
- J. O. Ballenthin
- L. R. Lait
- S.-h. Lee
- T. M. Miller
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- University of Denver