CCN-supersaturation spectra slopes (k)
Abstract
Theoretically the slope k of a CCN-supesaturation spectrum should equal two thirds of the slope of the total (soluble) aerosol size distribution. Workshop results tended to verify this relation. The k values are markedly different depending on whether one is measuring ambient CCN concentrations at supersaturations S above or below approximately 0.1-0.2%. The larger k values for S approximately 0.1% is consistent with the greater decrease in large particle concentration with increasing size. It is concluded that over the S range of 0.02% to 2%, two power fits (and k values) may sometimes suffice for a reasonable approximation of the CCN distribution. At other times, and with laboratory generated aeosols, such an approach is inadequate and requires refinement.
- Publication:
-
The Third International Cloud Condensation Nuclei Workshop
- Pub Date:
- November 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981clcn.work...64J
- Keywords:
-
- Condensing;
- Ice Nuclei;
- Nucleation;
- Particle Size Distribution;
- Precipitation Particle Measurement;
- Supersaturation;
- Aerosols;
- Cloud Chambers;
- Cloud Physics;
- Particle Diffusion;
- Thermal Diffusion;
- Instrumentation and Photography