Abstract
The stratospheric aerosol layer is of considerable interest for its potential influence, at least temporarily, on the Earth's radiation budget and climate1. While the nature of the aerosol is now reasonably well established the mechanisms leading to the formation of new particles are poorly understood2–4. It is thought that the aerosols are formed by heterogeneous heteromolecular condensation involving sulphuric acid and water vapour and pre-existing condensation nuclei (CN) of tropospheric or meteoric origin. The resulting supercooled solution droplets which are composed of ∼75% (by mass) H2SO4 and 25% H2O undergo condensational and coagulational growth and are ultimately removed from the stratosphere by gravitational sedimentation. CN-formation in the stratosphere by homogeneous or ion nucleation (IN) has largely been found to be inefficient2–6. I have now investigated the role of ion nucleation in stratosphere aerosol formation in the light of recent progress in both the areas of stratospheric ion composition7 and sulphuric acid vapour8–10 measurements. In constrast to previous conclusions ion nucleation is found to be a potential source for stratospheric aerosols.
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Arnold, F. Ion nucleation—a potential source for stratospheric aerosols. Nature 299, 134–137 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/299134a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/299134a0
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