Heterogeneous Nucleation of Ice on Anthropogenic Organic Particles Collected in Mexico City

Journal Article · Sat Jun 05 04:00:00 EDT 2010 · Geophysical Research Letters, 37(11):Article No. L11803

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL043362· OSTI ID:982945

Knopf, Daniel A; Wang, BingBing; Laskin, Alexander; Moffet, Ryan C; Gilles, Marry K

This study reports on heterogeneous ice nucleation activity of predominantly organic or coated with organic material anthropogenic particles sampled within and around the polluted environment of Mexico City. The onset of heterogeneous ice nucleation was observed as a function of particle temperature (Tp), relative humidity (RH), nucleation mode, and chemical composition of particles influenced by their photochemical atmospheric aging. Particle analyses was conducted using computer controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (CCSEM/EDX) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy with near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS). In contrast to the majority of laboratory studies employing proxies of organic aerosol, we show that anthropogenic organic particles collected in Mexico City have can potentially induce ice nucleation at experimental conditions relevant to cirrus formation. The reported results suggest a new paradigm for the potential impact of organic particles on ice cloud formation and climate.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 982945
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-71529; 30423; 30443; KP1205030
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters, 37(11):Article No. L11803, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters, 37(11):Article No. L11803 Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 37; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROSOLS
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
CLOUDS
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
ICE
MEXICO
NUCLEATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PARTICULATES
URBAN AREAS