Acidity variations across the cloud drop size spectrum and their influence on rates of atmospheric sulfate production

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

12

Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Cloud Physics And Chemistry, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Aerosols And Particles, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Troposphere-Composition And Chemistry, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Geochemical Cycles

Scientific paper

Measurements of pH variations within natural cloud drop populations reveal that small drops are often more acidic than large drops. Cloud samples collected from coastal stratus clouds, frontal clouds, and radiation fogs, from heavily polluted and pristine locations, had pH values ranging from below three to more than seven. Differences between small and large cloud drop acidities as large as two pH units were observed, although differences were generally below one pH unit. This chemical heterogeneity can significantly enhance oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfate within clouds, relative to oxidation rates predicted from the average cloudwater composition. One-third of the sampled clouds were estimated to experience an increase of at least 20% in the rate of sulfur oxidation by ozone (8% of the clouds had increases exceeding 100%) as a result of acidity differences between large and small cloud drops. These findings suggest that sulfate production within clouds, a critical component of the global sulfur cycle, may be more rapid than previously thought.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Acidity variations across the cloud drop size spectrum and their influence on rates of atmospheric sulfate production does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Acidity variations across the cloud drop size spectrum and their influence on rates of atmospheric sulfate production, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Acidity variations across the cloud drop size spectrum and their influence on rates of atmospheric sulfate production will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1024055

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.