Ultrafine mineral dust particles can have atmospheric lifetimes of several weeks, and can therefore be transported over thousands of kilometres. Such long lifetimes allow dust particles to interact with a variety of atmospheric constituents. In the present work, we report the observation of new particle formation arising from the heterogeneous interactions of gaseous SO2 with mineral dust proxies (i.e., Arizona Test Dust), in the presence of ultraviolet light and water vapor. The dependence of the reaction on irradiation levels and availability of water vapor will also be reported. The observed nucleation events will be discussed in terms of gaseous OH radical production from illuminated metal oxides, thus initiating the conversion of SO2 to sulphuric acid. The implications of these findings for the atmosphere will be discussed and assessed through recent field observations.

New particle formation from the interaction of SO<sub>2</sub> and mineral dust under light irradiation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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New particle formation from the interaction of SO2 and mineral dust under light irradiation

New particle formation from the interaction of SO₂ and mineral dust under light irradiation