Nucleation and growth of stratospheric aerosols
- Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
Various sampling studies and numerical models have provided evidence that the in situ oxidation of sulfur-bearing gases is responsible for the sulfate mass of the stratospheric aerosol. These data suggest that there is a common source of sulfur compounds for the stratosphere of both the northern and southern hemispheres. Using elementary modeling calculations and the results of laboratory experiments, researchers have speculated that the stratospheric aerosol layer originates, at least in part, from SO/sub 2/ oxidation via OH. Very little is known concerning the origin of the primary small particles that form as a result of processes following the generation of the precursors to the prenucleation embryos. It is almost certain that homogeneous nucleation does not operate in the atmosphere and that the more relevant processes are those termed heteromolecular and heterogeneous nucleation. The relative contribution of the various mechanisms proposed for the introduction of particles in the stratosphere has not been established. Nevertheless, the general characteristics and extent of the stratospheric sulfate aerosol are reasonably well understood in terms of coagulation, condensation, evaporation, and sedimentation when a source for the generation of new particles is assumed.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-78EV04776
- OSTI ID:
- 5579720
- Journal Information:
- Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
AEROSOLS
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
NUCLEATION
STRATOSPHERE
SULFATES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OXIDATION
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFURIC ACID
SUPERSATURATION
VOLCANOES
WATER
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SATURATION
SOLS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)