THE GROWTH OF SEA SALT PARTICLES BY CONDENSATION OF ATMOSPHERIC WATER VAPOR
Abstract
An equation was derived for the growth of sea salt particles through the condensation of water vapor. This equation differs from those previously derived in its neglect of surface-tension effects and the introduction of an empirical vapor-pressure function. To test the validity of the derived equation, the size of a growing particle was observed as a function of time under nearly discontinuous relative-humidity changes from a value below 78% to a constant measurable value above 78%; constant temperature and air flow were maintained during growth. The results indicate good agreement in general between experimental and theory. Growth under variable humidity conditions was investigated by an iterative integration of the growth equation under suitable assumptions. The resulting growth curves show an apparent growth of all particles of mass less than 50 picograms to about a 5 micron radius; a radius of 15 microns or more is attained by particles of mass greater than 400 picograms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0014994
Entities
People
- A. B. Arons
- C. H. Keith
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution