Publications

Roelofs, GJ, Kamphuis, V (2009). "Cloud processing, cloud evaporation and Angstrom exponent". ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, 9(1), 71-80.

Abstract
With a cloud parcel model we investigate how cloud processing and cloud evaporation modify the size distribution and the Angstrom exponent of an aerosol population. Our study provides a new explanation for the observed variability of the aerosol optical thickness and Angstrom exponent in the vicinity of clouds. Cloud processing causes a decrease of aerosol particle concentrations, relatively most efficiently in the coarse mode, and reduces the relative dispersion of the aerosol distribution. As a result the Angstrom exponent of the aerosol increases. The Angstrom exponent is very sensitive for changes in relative humidity during cloud evaporation, especially between 90% and 100%. In addition, kinetic limitations delay evaporation of relatively large cloud drops, especially in clean and mildly polluted environments where the coarse mode fraction is relatively large. This hampers a direct relation between the aerosol optical thickness, the Angstrom exponent and the ambient relative humidity, which may severely complicate interpretation of these parameters in terms of aerosol properties, such as the fine mode fraction.

DOI:

ISSN:
1680-7316