Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009georl..3617801w&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 36, Issue 17, CiteID L17801
Physics
9
Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Aerosols And Particles (0345, 4801, 4906), Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Cloud Physics And Chemistry, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Constituent Sources And Sinks, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Troposphere: Composition And Chemistry, Atmospheric Composition And Structure: Troposphere: Constituent Transport And Chemistry
Scientific paper
The ice nucleation efficiency of mineral dust decreases when it acquires coatings, e.g. through processing in liquid clouds. This study explores the availability of unprocessed mineral dust for interactions with clouds. We performed forward trajectory calculations originating near the surface of the Chinese Taklimakan desert. The initial specific humidity of each trajectory was assumed to be conserved and used to calculate the relative humidities with respect to water and ice, allowing us to estimate the formation of liquid, mixed-phase and ice clouds downstream. Practically none of the simulated air parcels reached conditions suitable for homogeneous nucleation of ice (T ≲ -40°C) without experiencing water saturation first. Potentially the biggest impact of mineral dust is predicted to be on mixed-phase clouds. Furthermore, most trajectories passed through ice-saturated (but water-subsaturated) regions where “warm” (T ≳ -40°C) ice clouds may form prior to mixed-phase clouds.
Peter Thomas
Wiacek Aldona
No associations
LandOfFree
On the availability of uncoated mineral dust ice nuclei in cold cloud regions 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 On the availability of uncoated mineral dust ice nuclei in cold cloud regions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the availability of uncoated mineral dust ice nuclei in cold cloud regions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1191676