Articles | Volume 19, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2933-2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2933-2019
Technical note
 | 
07 Mar 2019
Technical note |  | 07 Mar 2019

Technical note: The role of evolving surface tension in the formation of cloud droplets

James F. Davies, Andreas Zuend, and Kevin R. Wilson

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Cited articles

Abdul-Razzak, H. and Ghan, S. J.: A parameterization of aerosol activation: 2. Multiple aerosol types, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 105, 6837–6844, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999jd901161, 2000. 
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Asa-Awuku, A., Sullivan, A. P., Hennigan, C. J., Weber, R. J., and Nenes, A.: Investigation of molar volume and surfactant characteristics of water-soluble organic compounds in biomass burning aerosol, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 8, 799–812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-8-799-2008, 2008. 
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Bilde, M. and Svenningsson, B.: CCN activation of slightly soluble organics: the importance of small amounts of inorganic salt and particle phase, Tellus B, 56, 128–134, https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v56i2.16406, 2017. 
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Short summary
The formation of cloud droplets involves the condensation of water onto preexisting particles in the atmosphere. The efficiency of this process depends on the nature of the particles, and recent work has shown that organic-rich particles may exhibit a suppressed surface tension that promotes the formation of cloud droplets. In this technical note, we discuss the mechanism for this and highlight the evolution of surface tension as the key factor in the extent of surface effects.
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