https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/ Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics and the recent discussion forum Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12729-2026 <b>Numerical study of a Saharan dust plume impact on radiation, urban climate and thermal comfort in the Paris region during an heatwave event </b><br> Jérémy Bernard, Tim Nagel, Valéry Masson, Aude Lemonsu, Jean Wurtz, Pierre Tulet, and Quentin Rodier<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12729–12749, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12729-2026, 2026<br> Cities are particularly vulnerable to heat-waves because of their dense population combined with an amplification of the heat hazard caused by the urban heat island phenomenon. Heat event are sometimes associated with aerosol plume in the atmosphere, which affect the thermal comfort. This study shows that aerosol plumes can result in a heat stress reduction of up to 1 °C in sunny areas in cities while no difference in the shade of suburban areas. 2026-09-09T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12689-2026 <b>Cloud liquid water path at the North Slope of Alaska has minimal sensitivity to local meteorology in Arctic winter</b><br> Kara Hartig, John J. Cassano, Matthew D. Shupe, and Amy Solomon<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12689–12714, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12689-2026, 2026<br> Liquid-containing Arctic clouds have a strong influence on surface temperature and sea ice extent in winter, but how weather conditions impact cloud cover remains a mystery. This study uses observations from northern Alaska to investigate this relationship. We find that, contrary to expectations, the amount of cloud liquid is remarkably insensitive to temperature, moisture, wind direction, and the large-scale atmospheric flow. 2026-09-08T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12715-2026 <b>Chlorine enhances nocturnal heterogeneous uptake of NO2 in coastal atmosphere under sea-land breeze circulation</b><br> Ziyi Lin, Xiuwen Yong, Lingjun Li, Yuping Chen, Lingling Xu, Xiaoting Ji, Chen Yang, Keran Zhang, Feng Zhang, Ziying Chen, Gaojie Chen, Xiaolong Fan, Mengren Li, and Jinsheng Chen<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12715–12728, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12715-2026, 2026<br> Nitrogen dioxide can react on wet surfaces, producing pollutants that affect air quality. To understand why this process is stronger in coastal regions, we conducted field measurements in a Chinese coastal city during sea–land breeze periods. We found that chloride from sea salt greatly enhances nitrogen dioxide uptake, increasing the formation of nitrous acid and nitrate. This highlights a key role of chlorine in coastal air pollution and improves predictions of nighttime atmospheric chemistry. 2026-09-08T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12671-2026 <b>Measurement report: Impacts of thermodynamic and dynamic processes on the vertical distribution of carbonaceous aerosols: lessons from in-situ observations at the eastern foothills of Liupan Mountains, Loess Plateau</b><br> Shaofeng Qi, Suping Zhao, Ye Yu, Longxiang Dong, Tong Zhang, Guo Zhao, Jianglin Li, Xiang Zhang, and Yiting Lv<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12671–12687, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12671-2026, 2026<br> This study provides the first field evidence of the impact of downward transport of residual layer pollutants on planetary boundary layer pollution, which holds significant implications for pollution control in complex terrain regions. 2026-09-07T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12613-2026 <b>Modelling mineral dust emissions from proglacial valleys of the St. Elias Mountains, Canada</b><br> Daniel Bellamy, Martina Klose, Daniel F. Nadeau, Sebastian Engelstaedter, Richard Washington, and James King<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12613–12639, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12613-2026, 2026<br> Mineral dust emissions are simulated for the first time from proglacial valleys of the St. Elias Mountains (western Canada/Alaska) to elucidate their contributions to regional climate forcing and global mineral dust loading. We implement a regional-scale dust emission model and evaluate simulated meteorology, dust emissions, and boundary layer processes for a holistic evaluation of how well aerosol dispersion can be simulated within this remote, mountainous landscape.  2026-09-07T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12641-2026 <b>Impact of high-resolution soil erodibility datasets on dust simulations in WRF-Chem with the GOCART scheme</b><br> Leandro Cristian Segado-Moreno, Juan Pedro Montávez, Ginés Garnés-Morales, Eloisa Raluy-López, Pedro Jiménez-Guerrero, and Rajesh Kumar<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12641–12669, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12641-2026, 2026<br> This study focuses on improving models that simulate how mineral dust is emitted and transported in the atmosphere. We created two new, more detailed maps of soils and terrain to better represent where dust is generated. As a case study, we use dust events coming from North Africa affecting the Iberian Peninsula. Results show that the improved data helps the model match observed air pollution better, especially during dust episodes in inland areas. 2026-09-07T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12565-2026 <b>Coastal upwelling and tropical warm water intrusions are key drivers of interannual fog variability along the southwestern African coast</b><br> Alexandre Mass, Jan Cermak, and Hendrik Andersen<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12565–12589, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12565-2026, 2026<br> Fog is a vital water source in the Namib Desert, but its year-to-year variability is poorly understood. Using satellite observations and reanalysis data, we show that fog and low-cloud variability is closely tied to sea surface temperatures in the Benguela upwelling system. Warm events driven by tropical water intrusions are followed by reduced fog in the northern Namib, indicating that ocean state carries predictive information for fog in this hyper-arid ecosystem. 2026-09-04T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12543-2026 <b>A cellular automaton model of tropical oceanic rain clusters with criticality</b><br> Kevin K. W. Cheung, Chee-Kiat Teo, and Tieh-Yong Koh<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12543–12564, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12543-2026, 2026<br> This study presents a cellular automaton (CA) model of tropical oceanic rain clusters based on atmospheric stability and gravity-wave interactions. The model reproduces power-law distributions for cluster area and rain rate, exhibiting criticality similar to 2D percolation. The scaling exponent for cluster area is robust to model parameters and matches simulations over the Indian Ocean and Atlantic, although it differs from some observational estimates, suggesting further model tuning is needed. 2026-09-04T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12521-2026 <b>Tower- and drone-based BVOC observations in a suburban Tokyo forest: methodological insights and MEGAN comparison</b><br> Yujiro Ichikawa, Katsuhito Yoshida, Shinichi Yonemochi, Kentaro Takagi, Atsuyuki Sorimachi, Kazuhide Matsuda, and Toshimasa Ohara<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12521–12541, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12521-2026, 2026<br> This study examined biogenic volatile organic compounds in a suburban Tokyo forest using tower and supplemental drone measurements. Isoprene showed clear seasonal and vertical variations, while drone observations indicated spatial heterogeneity. Comparison with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature showed that site-specific parameter refinement is needed. 2026-09-04T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12591-2026 <b>Planetary albedo change exacerbates surface warming: a perspective from cloud-type changes</b><br> Ruixue Li, Jiming Li, Bida Jian, Lijie Zhang, and Jiayi Li<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12591–12612, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12591-2026, 2026<br> Using satellite radiation observations and a surface energy framework, we show that recent cloud changes weakly affect global mean warming but strongly modulate regional warming, enhancing warming in low- and mid-latitudes while mitigating it in polar regions. This effect is driven by changes from low- and mid-level clouds to high-level thin clouds, reducing planetary albedo and weakening longwave emission, with distinct controls in the two hemispheres. 2026-09-04T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12505-2026 <b>Upward transport and segregation of ice-nucleating particles in deep convective clouds</b><br> Jonas Schaefer, Sarah Grawe, Hans-Christian Clemen, Stephan Mertes, Johannes Schneider, Bruno Wetzel, Daniel Sauer, Jennifer Wolf, Laura Tomsche, Johanna Mayer, Roland Schrödner, Silvia Henning, Tina Jurkat-Witschas, Christiane Voigt, Helmut Ziereis, Theresa Harlaß, Mira Pöhlker, and Frank Stratmann<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12505–12520, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12505-2026, 2026<br> Ice-nucleating particles (INP) are aerosol particles important for ice formation in clouds droplets and thereby influence climate. This study uses airborne measurements over Europe to show how INP are transported through thunderstorms. We show which particles are washed out and which are are transported into the higher troposphere, where they can again affect cloud ice formation. The findings improve understanding of atmospheric particle distribution and help refine climate models. 2026-09-03T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12479-2026 <b>Revisiting the critical role of stabilized Criegee intermediates (sCIs) in sulfuric acid formation: coupling mechanistic updates with interpretable machine learning</b><br> Yuhuan Zhu, Qiang Chen, Luyan He, Chunlin Shang, Li Jiang, Donghong Guan, Guirong Yao, and Wenkai Guo<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12479–12503, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12479-2026, 2026<br> We studied how sulfur dioxide in air becomes sulfuric acid through a chemical route that has often been underestimated. By updating reaction data, running chemistry simulations, and using an explainable machine-learning framework, we found that this pathway makes a meaningful contribution and changes how sulfuric acid responds to changes in air pollutants. These findings suggest that reducing emissions of alkene-related organic gases may help limit sulfuric acid formation and particle pollution. 2026-09-02T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12457-2026 <b>A cross-instrument closure and polarimetric study for improving sub-millimeter polarimeter-radiometer ice cloud microphysics retrievals</b><br> Jie Gong, Yuli Liu, Joseph A. Finlon, Ian S. Adams, Rachael A. Kroodsma, Dong L. Wu, and Ralf Bennartz<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12457–12477, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12457-2026, 2026<br> This is a closure and polarimetric study using a variety of airborne observations to disentangle hydrometeor microphysical properties and their vertical distribution. This work paves a concrete step in assuring timely delivery of high-quality science products for several future sub-mm radiometer missions as well as possibilities of new science products beyond the mission requirements. 2026-09-02T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12435-2026 <b>Orographic impacts of Réunion Island and Madagascar on heavy rainfall during Tropical Cyclone Batsirai (2022)</b><br> Keun-Ok Lee, Soline Bielli, Clément Soufflet, Rémi Laxenaire, and Kevin Hoarau<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12435–12455, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12435-2026, 2026<br> Tropical cyclones forming in the southwest Indian Ocean frequently affect mountainous island nations. However, their role in modulating rainfall has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Using both observational data and a high-resolution numerical model, we aim to improve our understanding of the orographic effects of Madagascar and Réunion Island on approaching tropical cyclone (TC) track, intensity, and, ultimately, heavy rainfall using a representative case: TC Batsirai (2022). 2026-09-02T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12329-2026 <b>Simulation of contrasting impacts of dust ice-nucleating particles on the evolution and radiative effects of mixed-phase and ice clouds</b><br> Hua Zhang, Shuxiao Wang, Xi Zhao, Zhijun Wu, Yan Yin, Siyu Chen, Dantong Liu, Jingchuan Chen, Hui Jiang, Jiewen Shen, Da Gao, Dejia Yin, Yicong He, Zeqi Li, Shengyue Li, Zhaoxin Dong, Manish Shrivastava, Jonathan H. Jiang, Muyan Peng, and Bin Zhao<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12329–12354, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12329-2026, 2026<br> Mineral dust can initiate ice formation in clouds, affecting cloud properties and regional climate. Using an improved model, we examined their contrasting impacts in mixed-phase and ice clouds over East Asia. In mixed-phase clouds, dust promotes liquid-to-ice conversion and reduces cloud reflectivity, causing moderate warming, whereas in ice clouds, it greatly enhances ice formation and leads to stronger warming. This study advances understanding of aerosol–cloud–climate interactions. 2026-09-01T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12295-2026 <b>High-resolution inversion of methane emissions over Europe using the Community Inversion Framework and FLEXPART</b><br> Anteneh Getachew Mengistu, Aki Tsuruta, Antoine Berchet, Rona Thompson, Maria Tenkanen, Hannakaisa Lindqvist, Tiina Markkanen, Antti Leppänen, Antti Laitinen, Adrien Martinez, Audrey Fortems-Cheiney, Lena Höglund-Isaksson, and Tuula Aalto<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12295–12327, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12295-2026, 2026<br> Our manuscript presents a six-year, high-resolution inversion of European methane emissions using the Community Inversion Framework and FLEXPART. Leveraging an expanded in situ network, we reconcile inventories with observations, reveal regional biases, refine European methane budgets, and highlight the dominance of agricultural emissions. Results provide policy-relevant insights for mitigation and inventory verification. 2026-09-01T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12395-2026 <b>Source-dependent optical and mineral signatures of dust outbreaks over the Mediterranean</b><br> Alkistis Papetta, Celia Herrero del Barrio, S. Yeşer Aslanoğlu, Rizos-Theodoros Chadoulis, Georgia Charalampous, Sara Herrero-Anta, Dimitra Kouklaki, Michail Mytilinaios, Anna Moustaka, Emmanouil Proestakis, Vassilis Amiridis, Christos Spyrou, Antonis Gkikas, Michael Pikridas, Maria Kezoudi, Franco Marenco, Jean Sciare, Sophie Vandenbussche, Stavros Solomos, Stelios Kazadzis, and Ilias Fountoulakis<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12395–12434, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12395-2026, 2026<br> We studied four major dust events from the Sahara and the Middle East over the Mediterranean. Saharan dust events exhibited coarser and more scattering particles, while Middle Eastern dust was finer and mixed with pollution. Differences in absorption could not be explained by mineralogy and are attributed to mixing. 2026-09-01T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12355-2026 <b>Aircraft observations suggest an important contribution of methanesulfonic and sulfuric acids to tropical Indo-Pacific aerosol</b><br> Hannah Klebach, Martin Heinritzi, Katharina Kaiser, Lisa Beck, Samuel Ruhl, Samira Atabakhsh, Nirvan Bhattacharyya, Lucía Caudillo-Plath, Philipp Joppe, Thomas Klimach, Peter Lloyd, Mira Pöhlker, Ulrich Pöschl, Sarah Richter, Douglas M. Russell, Johannes Schneider, Marcel Zauner-Wieczorek, and Joachim Curtius<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12355–12393, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12355-2026, 2026<br> Marine atmospheric aerosols remain a major uncertainty in climate models. We report gas and particle phase measurements of two important aerosol forming vapours, sulfuric acid and methanesulfonic acid in the Indo-Pacific. We find that the latter typically dominates over sulfuric acid and contributes significantly to free tropospheric aerosol. Deep convection transports the precursor of both acids to the upper troposphere, providing a key aerosol source in the pristine remote Pacific Ocean. 2026-09-01T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12275-2026 <b>Downward transport of tropical upper-tropospheric aerosols: multi-year insights from idealized simulations</b><br> Lianet Hernández Pardo, Joachim Curtius, Patrick Jöckel, J. Moritz Menken, Christopher Pöhlker, Mira Pöhlker, and Anna Possner<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12275–12293, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12275-2026, 2026<br> Many tiny particles are formed high in the tropical atmosphere, but their impact lower down is unclear. We studied how these particles move downward using long-term computer simulations. We found that particles can reach middle levels of the atmosphere within a week, carried by winds. These results help us understand how pollution and clouds might change as particles spread around the world. 2026-08-31T21:30:40+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12231-2026 <b>Resolving systematic errors in sulfate source apportionment: a field-validated kinetic isotope fractionation framework</b><br> Zhaobing Guo, Xuexue Bai, Qiwei Ai, Zizheng Xu, Shangshun Ma, Jiayu Gu, Pengxiang Qiu, and Qingjun Guo<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 12231–12242, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-12231-2026, 2026<br> We refined the traditional isotopic mathematical model, originally predicated on the assumption of exhaustive sulfur dioxide oxidation, to account for the incomplete oxidation processes observed in our field campaigns. By constraining this modified framework with in-situ isotopic data, we demonstrated that conventional models, which overlook this partial oxidation, tend to significantly underestimate sulfate source contributions during the summer. 2026-08-31T21:30:40+02:00