From aerosol limited clouds to invigoration (Invited)

We propose that convective-cloud invigoration by aerosol can be considered as an extension of the case where cloud development is limited by the availability of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). We suggest that for any given thermodynamic conditions that support convective cloud formation, there is an optimal CCN concentration (N_op) that allows a maximal cloud vertical development. Hence, for any concentration below Nop the forming cloud would be less developed and therefore can be considered as aerosol limited. Moreover, we show that N_op is a function of the thermodynamic instability (e.g. CAPE). Thus an atmosphere that favours more vertically developed clouds would dictate larger value of N_op.