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Clouds without supersaturation

Nature volume 388, pages 336–337 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

Traditional Köhler theory1 describes the equilibrium vapour-pressure relationship between liquid solution particles and humid air. Here we present the concept of multiphase-multicomponent Köhler theory, which reveals that stable cloud droplets of size 1-10 μm could exist in air with a relative humidity of less than 100%. This may explain the occurrence of persistent large-droplet fogs or smogs such as previously existed in London and which are now found in various heavily polluted locations, near the exits of chimneys and in the plumes of volcanoes.

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Figure 1: Figure 1a, Conventional Köhler curve for a 30 nm dry particle consisting of ammonium sulphate at 298 K.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, PO Box 9, FIN-00014, Finland

    Markku Kulmala, Ari Laaksonen, Robert J.Charlson & Pekka Korhonen

  2. Air Quality Department, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Sahaajankatu 20 E, Helsinki, FIN-00810, Finland

    Pekka Korhonen

  3. Departments of Atmospheric Sciences and Chemistry, University of Washington, Boz 351700, Seattle, 98195, Washington, USA

    Robert J.Charlson

Authors
  1. Markku Kulmala
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  2. Ari Laaksonen
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  3. Robert J.Charlson
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  4. Pekka Korhonen
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Kulmala, M., Laaksonen, A., J.Charlson, R. et al. Clouds without supersaturation. Nature 388, 336–337 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/41000

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