Cloud Formation and the Possible Significance of Charge for Atmospheric Condensation and Ice Nuclei

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

16

Scientific paper

Cloud formation in the atmosphere is related to the presence of water vapour, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN). Ionisation in the atmosphere is caused by a variety of sources, but the contribution from cosmic rays is always present and is modulated by the solar cycle. Methods of investigating the variability in ionisation are described. The mechanisms proposed by which (1) ionisation could influence cloud formation, and (2) by which changes to the CCN and IN could occur are discussed. Direct formation of sulphate CN is conceivable in atmospheric air by radioactivity, and charging of molecular clusters leads to greater collisions rates than for neutral clusters. Modification of the ice nucleation efficiency of aerosol could also have atmospheric effects through latent heat release. However in both cases definitive atmospheric experimental work is lacking and therefore any link between solar variability and clouds remains unproven.

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

Cloud Formation and the Possible Significance of Charge for Atmospheric Condensation and Ice Nuclei 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 Cloud Formation and the Possible Significance of Charge for Atmospheric Condensation and Ice Nuclei, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cloud Formation and the Possible Significance of Charge for Atmospheric Condensation and Ice Nuclei will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1116749

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