Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) are atmospheric aerosol particles that provide a surface for water vapor to condense and grow into cloud droplets.  These small particles play a major role in regulating the Earth’s radiation balance and have an uncertain contribution to climate change.  Current discrepancies in results from theory and experiments on the CCN activation of insoluble atmospheric aerosols demonstrate that further studies are warranted.  The aim of this project is to determine closure between CCN activation measurements using combined water adsorption and Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) activation theory as well as direct CCN measurements of size-selected insoluble aerosol particles used to model hydrophilic mineral surfaces in the atmosphere.  The CCN activation measurements are performed using a Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) to size-select atomized and dried ammonium sulfate, followed by counting of total condensation nuclei (#CN) using a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) and total cloud condensation nuclei (#CCN) using a CCN counter.  Initial design and calibration results for the CCN activation measurements will be reported.<br/>

Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) measurements: Design and calibration of a CCN analysis system

2019 Spring National Meeting

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