Over the last three decades, my group has performed laboratory studies aimed at increasing our fundamental understanding of atmospheric clouds and aerosols. In my early work as a postdoc, I focused on icy polar stratospheric clouds and the role of these clouds in the yearly formation of the Antarctic ozone hole. Subsequent studies probed heterogeneous reactions on stratospheric sulfate aerosols important for global ozone, and the role of water in promoting the reactions. More recently, my attention has turned to studies relevant for the troposphere. In particular, we are studying heterogeneous ice nucleation relevant to cirrus clouds, a process that remains poorly understood to this day. Cirrus clouds are ubiquitous in the upper troposphere and are known to have a large effect on the Earth’s climate. Studies in my laboratory examine ice nucleation on particles containing organics to probe the role of aerosol composition and mixing state in ice cloud formation. In addition, recent studies are using optical levitation to observe aerosol phase transitions in the absence of a supporting surface to better mimic realistic atmospheric particles. In these studies, we identify a new process of possible importance in the atmosphere, so-called “contact efflorescence,” where particle collisions promote aerosol crystallization and loss of water. In today’s talk, I will present a range of laboratory studies conducted in collaboration with students and postdocs over a career of studying atmospheric water.

Thirty years with my head in the clouds: Laboratory studies of atmospheric water

2019 Fall National Meeting

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