Is Black Carbon an Unimportant Ice-Nucleating Particle in Mixed-Phase Clouds?

ABSTRACT: It has been hypothesized that black carbon (BC) influences mixed-phase clouds by acting as an ice-nucleating particle (INP). However, the literature data for ice nucleation by BC immersed in supercooled water are extremely varied, with some studies reporting that BC is very effective at nucleating ice, whereas others report no ice-nucleating ability. Here we present new experimental results for immersion mode ice nucleation by BC from two contrasting fuels (n-decane and eugenol). We observe no significant heterogeneous nucleation by either sample. Using a global aerosol model, we quantify the maximum relative importance of BC for ice nucleation when compared with K-feldspar and marine organic aerosol acting as INP. Based on the upper limit from our laboratory data, we show that BC contribu

SUBMITTER: Vergara-Temprado J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6001433 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature