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.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on SpringerLink
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Köhler, H. Trans. Far. Soc. 32, 1152–1161 (1936).
Shulman, M. L., Jacobson, M. C., Charlson, R. J., Synovec, R. E. & Young, T. E. Geophys. Res. Lett. 23, 277–280 (1996).
Kulmala, M. et al. J. Geophys. Res. 98, 22949–22958 (1993).
Korhonen, P., Kulmala, M. & Vesala, T. Atmos. Env. 30, 1773–1785 (1996).
Laaksonen, A., Korhonen, P., Kulmala, M. & Charlson, R. J. J. Atmos. Sci. (submitted).
Pruppacher, H. R. & Klett, J. D. Microphysics of Clouds and Precipitation 142 (Reidel, Dordrecht, 1980).
Hänel G. Adv. Geophys. 19, 73–188 (1976).
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics 74th edn (eds Lide, D. R. & Frederikse H. P. R.) 4-49 (CRC, Boca Raton, 1993).
Del Monte, M. & Rossi, P. Atmos. Environ. 31, 1637–1646 (1997).
Brimblecombe, P. & Clegg, S. L. Atmos. Env. 24A, 1945-1955 (1990).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kulmala, M., Laaksonen, A., J.Charlson, R. et al. Clouds without supersaturation. Nature 388, 336–337 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/41000
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/41000
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.