What controls the observed size-dependency of the growth rates of sub-10 nm atmospheric particles?

ABSTRACT: The formation and growth of atmospheric particles involving sulfuric acid and organic vapors is estimated to have significant climate effects. To accurately represent this process in large-scale models, the correct interpretation of the observations on particle growth, especially below 10 nm, is essential. Here, we disentangle the factors governing the growth of sub-10 nm particles in the presence of sulfuric acid and organic vapors, using molecular-resolution cluster population simulations and chamber experiments. We find that observed particle growth rates are determined by the combined effects of (1) the concentrations and evaporation rates of the condensing vapors, (2) particle population dynamics, and (3) stochastic fluctuations, characteristic to initial nucleation. This leads to a d

SUBMITTER: Kontkanen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9119032 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature