Global variability in atmospheric new particle formation mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: A key challenge in aerosol pollution studies and climate change assessment is to understand how atmospheric aerosol particles are initially formed^1,2. Although new particle formation (NPF) mechanisms have been described at specific sites^3-6, in most regions, such mechanisms remain uncertain to a large extent because of the limited ability of atmospheric models to simulate critical NPF processes^1,7. Here we synthesize molecular-level experiments to develop comprehensive representations of 11 NPF mechanisms and the complex chemical transformation of precursor gases in a fully coupled global climate model. Combined simulations and observations show that the dominant NPF mechanisms are distinct worldwide and vary with region and altitude. Previously neglected o

SUBMITTER: Zhao B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11222162 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature