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Stratospheric ion and aerosol chemistry and possible links with cirrus cloud microphysics - A critical assessmentAspects of stratospheric ion chemistry and physics are assessed as they relate to aerosol formation and the transport of aerosols to upper tropospheric regions to create conditions favorable for cirrus cloud formation. It is found that ion-induced nucleation and other known phase transitions involving ions and sulfuric acid vapor are probably not efficient processes for stratospheric aerosol formation, and cannot compete with condensation of sulfuric acid on preexisting particles of volcanic or meteoritic origin which are larger than about 0.15 micron in radius. Thus, galactic cosmic rays cannot have a significant impact on stratospheric aerosol population. Changes in the stratospheric aerosol burden due to volcanos are up to two orders of magnitude larger than changes in ion densities. Thus, volcanic activity may modulate the radiative properties of cirrus clouds.
Document ID
19910025742
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mohnen, Volker A.
(New York, State University Albany, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Volume: 47
ISSN: 0022-4928
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
91A10365
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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