Articles | Volume 25, issue 18
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-11317-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-11317-2025
Research article
 | 
25 Sep 2025
Research article |  | 25 Sep 2025

Homogeneous ice nucleation in adsorbed water films: a theoretical approach

Ari Laaksonen, Golnaz Roudsari, Ana A. Piedehierro, and André Welti

Data sets

Ice nucleation, particle size distribution and adsorption data Ari Laaksonen, Golnaz Roudsari, Ana A. Piedehierro, and André Welti https://doi.org/10.57707/fmi-b2share.7c69b956dabb470b84f4d2c08a32d0eb

Model code and software

GINCUP: Ice Nucleation Code Ari Laaksonen, Golnaz Roudsari, Ana A. Piedehierro, and André Welti https://github.com/Golnaz-roudsari/GINCUP

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Short summary
The mechanisms of ice nucleation at temperatures below 235 K have remained unclear for the past century. We suggest that ice nucleation is caused by the freezing of water adsorbed on aerosol surfaces. To test this hypothesis, we derived theoretical equations to predict the exact atmospheric conditions under which ice nucleation occurs. Our predictions agree well with experiments. The new theory thus provides a basis for an improved description of ice nucleation in the atmosphere.
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