Articles | Volume 15, issue 18
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-10263-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-10263-2015
Technical note
 | 
16 Sep 2015
Technical note |  | 16 Sep 2015

Technical Note: A proposal for ice nucleation terminology

G. Vali, P. J. DeMott, O. Möhler, and T. F. Whale

Abstract. Terminology dealing with ice nucleation in the atmosphere, in biological systems, and in other areas has not kept pace with the growth of empirical evidence and the development of new ideas over recent decades. Ambiguities and misinterpretations could be seen in the literature. This paper offers a set of definitions for various terms in common use, adds some qualifications, and introduces some new ones. Input has been received on the interpretation of various terms from a fair number of researchers; diverse views have been accommodated with some success. It is anticipated that the terminology proposed here will be helpful both to those who adopt it and to those who wish to explain a different perspective.

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Short summary
Clarification is needed in the terminology used to discuss ice nucleation in the literature. Conflicting interpretations coupled with uncertainties about the details of the processes have led to difficulties in the clear communication of results and ideas. This paper contains a proposal for future usage. This proposed terminology was arrived at as a result of a year-long exchange of suggestions by a number of scientists.
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