The Mechanisms of Atmospheric NucleationNovember 06, 2003Aerosol particles are ubiquitous in Earth's atmosphere, influencing the quality of life through their climatic and health effects and by affecting visibility. In recent years, the formation and growth of nanometer-scale particles have been observed in situ in many different atmospheric environments, including urban plumes, clean arctic air, the continental boundary layer, and coastal environments. However, as Professor Markku Kulmala from the University of Helsinki explains in his Perspective published in the November 07 issue of the Science magazine, the mechanisms of atmospheric nucleation have not yet been resolved. An interdisciplinary approach involving laboratory experiments, continuous field observations, new theories, and dynamic models will be required to determine which mechanisms dominate in different environments. Right now the best candidates are 1) ternary homogeneous nucleation of sulphuric acid + ammonia + water molecules and subsequent growth via organic vapours or 2) ion-mediated particle formation. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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