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 en https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14577-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14577-2026 <b>Interacting effects of droplet number and ice formation processes on mixed-phase cold-air outbreak clouds</b><br> Xinyi Huang, Paul R. Field, Ross J. Herbert, Benjamin J. Murray, Floortje van den Heuvel, Daniel P. Grosvenor, Rachel W. N. Sansom, and Kenneth S. Carslaw<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14577–14616, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14577-2026, 2026<br> Aerosol-cloud interactions and ice formation processes are key to modelling mixed-phase clouds in cold-air outbreaks. However, no studies have investigated the joint effects of these processes. Here, we used perturbed parameter ensembles and model emulators to show that these processes have strongly interacting effects on the properties of cold air outbreak clouds. Single sensitivity tests may therefore provide incomplete information about cloud-controlling factors. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14559-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14559-2026 <b>Shifting patterns of Ozone Season due to policy and human activity in Beijing between 2013 and 2023</b><br> Qian Li, Xiaofei Dong, Yuanxi Guo, Xiue Shen, Zhang Zhang, and Chunsheng Zhao<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14559–14575, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14559-2026, 2026<br> Beijing's ozone trends (2013–2023) show a lengthening Ozone Season despite strict emission controls. While low-percentile ozone levels rose, mean and high-percentile values remained stable. Key shifts include a later daily exposure window, flattened diurnal cycles (lower peaks, higher troughs), and reduced ozone production/loss rates. These findings establish a baseline for urban pollution evolution and provide critical insights for future policy formulation and public health protection. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14617-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14617-2026 <b>Measurement report: Soil reactive nitrogen gas emissions in the Tibetan Plateau</b><br> Lingling Deng, Yuhan Chen, Chunxiang Ye, Rui Wang, Ruhai Wang, Zehua Fu, Hongfang Zhao, and Dianming Wu<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14617–14636, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14617-2026, 2026<br> Soil reactive nitrogen (Nr) gas emissions from the Tibetan Plateau remain poorly quantified, especially nitrous acid (HONO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). We find soil HONO and NOx emissions are substantial across different land use types, with annual emissions of 7.0 ± 3.4 and 20.3 ± 7.0 Gg N yr−1, respectively. Soil HONO emissions contribute approximately 10.5 % of the external daytime atmospheric HONO sources and modulate the regional atmospheric chemical balance by elevating the HONO/NOx ratio. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14637-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14637-2026 <b>Molecular evolution of oxygenated organic molecules in a cloud-influenced forested mountain environment</b><br> Yi Zhang, Wei Zhou, Weiqi Xu, Yan Li, Yu Zhang, Zijun Zhang, Bojiang Su, Ning Zhang, Eleonora Aruffo, Junfeng Wang, Piero Di Carlo, Lanzhong Liu, Xiaole Pan, Zifa Wang, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Yele Sun<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14637–14653, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14637-2026, 2026<br> We investigated how plants, pollution and weather shape air quality at a forested mountain in southeastern China, with frequent clouds. We measured compounds formed as plant and human emissions react in the atmosphere. Warm conditions favored plant emissions, while cooler periods increased the influence of pollution transported from other regions. Clouds both removed some compounds and changed others through chemical reactions, showing how weather and clouds shape air quality in mountains. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14531-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14531-2026 <b>Optical properties and shape-dependent retrievals of the imaginary part of the refractive index of freshly emitted Saharan dust</b><br> Jesús Yus-Díez, Jeronimo Escribano, Marco Pandolfi, Andrés Alastuey, Cristina González-Flórez, Adolfo Gonzalez-Romero, María Gonçalves Ageitos, Matic Ivančič, Martina Klose, Konrad Kandler, Vincenzo Obiso, Agnesh Panta, Cristina Reche, Martin Rigler, Xavier Querol, and Carlos Perez García-Pando<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14531–14557, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14531-2026, 2026<br> Here we present measurements of dust optical properties during active emissions at a source region in the Moroccan Sahara. We present results on its single scattering albedo, absorption and scattering wavelength dependence and mass efficiency. Furthermore, we have performed imaginary refractive index (k) retrieval under varying assumptions of the refractive index real part, and particle sphericity. We also provide a comparison between the k retrievals and estimations on dust k from AERONET. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14439-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14439-2026 <b>Summertime ozone sensitivity to temperature in China: observational evidence and mechanistic attribution in urban and rural areas in the Yangtze River Delta region</b><br> Chang Su, Massimo Bollasina, James Weber, and David Stevenson<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14439–14469, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14439-2026, 2026<br> Hot weather can strongly increase surface ozone, a harmful air pollutant, but the reasons differ between urban and rural areas. We studied a large city and a nearby rural region in eastern China using air quality observations and simplified chemistry modelling. We found that heat-driven plant emissions dominate ozone increases in the city, while chemical nitrogen cycling is key in the rural area. Our results help identify heat-resilient air pollution control strategies under climate change. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14487-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14487-2026 <b>Asymptotic behavior of lidar scattering properties of absorbing dust aerosols across Rayleigh and geometrical-optics regimes: theory and implications</b><br> Anthony La Luna, Zhibo Zhang, Qianqian Song, Hongbin Yu, John E. Yorks, and Ping Yang<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14487–14506, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14487-2026, 2026<br> Mineral dust blown from deserts affects air quality and climate worldwide. Scientists use laser instruments on satellites to detect and measure dust. We discovered that very large, iron-rich dust particles produce signals that fool these instruments into misidentifying them as pollution or smoke. Using light scattering theory, we showed this confusion follows universal physical laws regardless of dust shape – helping scientists better interpret next-generation satellite measurements. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14507-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14507-2026 <b>Turbulent atmospheric particle fluxes in the High Arctic: surface type dependence and variability</b><br> Theresa Mathes, Ian Brooks, Sonja Murto, Michael Tjernström, Julia Kojoj, Paul Zieger, John Prytherch, Birgit Wehner, and Andreas Held<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14507–14530, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14507-2026, 2026<br> The Arctic is warming faster than the global average, affecting key climate processes. We investigated the exchange of particles between the surface and the atmosphere in the High Arctic over a period of five weeks using eddy covariance measurements. While ice surfaces primarily act as a sink, strong winds can also cause particles to be released, a process likely linked to blowing snow. These results enhance our understanding of particle sources and facilitate more precise climate modelling. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14417-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14417-2026 <b>Influence of irradiance and mixing layer height on the vertical trace matter distribution in the lower planetary boundary layer – drone-based investigation</b><br> Lasse Moormann, Friederike Fachinger, Holger Tost, and Frank Drewnick<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14417–14437, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14417-2026, 2026<br> Using drone-based vertical profiling, we a) compare the sensitivity of various meteorological and trace substances to detect mixing layer heights at night, b) investigate the dependency of the vertical trace matter distribution on irradiance and mixing layer heights and c) evaluate the representativity of ground-based measured variables for the lowermost troposphere and finally provide suggestions to enhance the representativity of ground-based measurement stations. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14403-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14403-2026 <b>The role of the QBO for tropical high-cloud variability in CMIP6 models and observations</b><br> Aleena M. Jaison, Paulo Ceppi, and Sarah Wilson Kemsley<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14403–14416, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14403-2026, 2026<br> We investigate how stratospheric winds influence high clouds using satellite observations and climate models. These winds, known as the quasi-biennial oscillation, alter meteorological conditions in the troposphere such as upper-tropospheric temperature, stability, and humidity, and clouds respond to these changes. Reducing model biases requires improving cloud sensitivity to these factors. This framework could also help assess cloud responses to stratospheric cooling driven by climate change. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14385-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14385-2026 <b>Electrostatics and Collision dynamics of ice and anthropogenic smoke particles in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere</b><br> Trinesh Sana, Sanjay K. Mishra, and Ingrid Mann<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14385–14401, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14385-2026, 2026<br> The increase in satellite launches raises the anthropogenic influx of various elements into the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT), comparable to the natural meteoric influx. Aggregation of ice and space debris remnant in the MLT is studied using classical electrostatic approaches. Stable aggregate formation from ice and anthropogenic particle collisions has been established in the MLT region, which is found to be similar to that formed with meteoric smoke particles. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14471-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14471-2026 <b>Sensitivity of the summertime diurnal precipitation cycle over three representative regions of China to convective trigger and closure treatments in a single-column model</b><br> Xiaocong Wang, Yanjie Liu, and Yimin Liu<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14471–14485, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14471-2026, 2026<br> This study advances our understanding of the representation of the diurnal cycle of precipitation (DCP) in numerical models. By systematically comparing three convection schemes with different trigger and closure treatments using a single-column model, this study identifies the physical mechanisms responsible for these biases and evaluates the effectiveness of various modifications in improving DCP simulations over China. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14367-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14367-2026 <b>Synoptic and regional-scale meteorological controls of stratus altitude in the Namib Desert</b><br> Viola Hipler, Hendrik Andersen, Robert Spirig, Roland Vogt, Stuart Piketh, Bianca Adler, and Jan Cermak<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14367–14384, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14367-2026, 2026<br> Fog is a key component of the Namib Desert ecosystem, and is mostly associated with the advection of marine stratus clouds. Here, we use local measurements near the coast to distinguish fog situations from lifted low-cloud situations. Using reanalysis data, we find synoptic and regional-scale processes over the ocean and over the continent that are connected to stratus altitude and therefore fog occurrence patterns. The results lead to a better understanding of the coastal desert fog system. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14245-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14245-2026 <b>Non-monotonic response of net dust deposition kinetics to low wind speeds</b><br> Ruochen Jia, Chaoqun Ba, Chao Zhang, Wennong Kuang, Yuan Liu, Zhigang Wang, Fang Liu, Zhiming Xin, Yuting Liu, Qun Ma, Lu Zong, Wei Liang, Jianqiang Qian, and Zhimin Liu<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14245–14258, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14245-2026, 2026<br> Controlled wind tunnel experiments show how mineral dust settles under calm and low-wind conditions. Dust did not settle more slowly as wind speed increased. Instead, fine and medium-sized particles accumulated most strongly at a gentle wind speed of 2 m s−1, while stronger winds reduced their retention. These findings can help improve predictions of how dust is removed from the air and represented in atmospheric models. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14345-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14345-2026 <b>Vertical distribution of pollution trapped by wintertime surface inversions in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the ALPACA experiment</b><br> Jochen Stutz, Jonas Kuhn, Sol Cooperdock, Sarah Johnson, Fangzhou Guo, James H. Flynn, Meeta Cesler-Maloney, and William R. Simpson<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14345–14365, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14345-2026, 2026<br> Northern cities often experience periods of wintertime air pollution, which are associated with surface temperature inversions and weak winds. In Fairbanks, Alaska, pollutants accumulate in a 20–40 m high surface layer with SO2 and NO2 mixing ratios of up to 35 and 65 ppb, respectively. This surface pollution is caused by the balance of emissions, chemistry, and inefficient mixing with clean background air. This balance has to be considered for air pollution mitigation strategies. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14303-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14303-2026 <b>Cloud vertical structure across China from a national Ka-band cloud radar network: thermodynamic, dynamical, and land-surface controls</b><br> Hui Xu, Jianping Guo, Jianbo Deng, Rongfang Yang, Deli Meng, Zhen Zhang, Ning Li, Yuping Sun, Shuairu Jiang, Tianmeng Chen, Juan Chen, Liping Zeng, Yongshui Zhou, and Bing Tong<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14303–14327, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14303-2026, 2026<br> Using a new national network of 80 cloud radars, we mapped how clouds are layered and how high they reach across China. Clouds vary strongly by region, season, and time of day, with deeper clouds in humid conditions and shallower clouds under stable or strong shear conditions. Afternoon single‑layer low CBH is significantly higher than all‑hour, especially over evergreen broadleaf. These findings help improve weather and climate predictions. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14277-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14277-2026 <b>Characterizing lightning NOx production in the Ebro Valley with meteosat 12 LI and LMA observations</b><br> Francisco J. Pérez-Invernón, Francisco J. Gordillo-Vázquez, Oscar van der Velde, Joan Montanyà, Jesús Alberto López Trujillo, Nicolau Pineda, Diego Loyola, Sora Seo, Christoph Knote, Alexandre O. Fierro, and Heidi Huntrieser<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14277–14301, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14277-2026, 2026<br> Lightning is a major source of atmospheric pollutants. This study uses advanced satellite and ground-based data to show how lightning characteristics, such as length, brightness, and duration, affect the production of these pollutants in storms over Spain’s Ebro Valley. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14329-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14329-2026 <b>Simultaneous measurements of gas- and aerosol-phase water-soluble organic nitrogen in the winter urban atmosphere of Chengdu, China</b><br> Kaitao Chen, Zheng Li, Rui Li, Luyao Chen, Rongjie Li, Binyu Xiao, Shaojun Lv, Can Wu, Rui Li, Junke Zhang, and Gehui Wang<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14329–14343, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14329-2026, 2026<br> During winter haze in Chengdu, water-soluble organic nitrogen compounds shift from gas to particles, with concentrations more than doubling. The main driver is particle water content, not acidity or temperature. As particles absorb water, they take up these compounds, fueling aerosol growth. This study reveals how nitrogen-rich organic aerosols form in humid air, aiding pollution control strategies. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14259-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14259-2026 <b>Warm-sector heavy rainfall over the eastern China plains: identification, characteristics, and precursor dynamic signals</b><br> Weilong Deng, Jianping Guo, Ning Li, Zhen Zhang, Yifei Wang, and Yi Yang<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14259–14275, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14259-2026, 2026<br> Heavy rain far ahead of weather fronts is easily overlooked and hard to forecast. Using five warm seasons of rain gauge and wind radar data from eastern China's plains, we found that these brief, intense events supplied nearly half of heavy rainfall at some sites. Before rain began, fast winds at low heights became more common and the strongest upward air movements intensified. These changes could help identify warning signs, but their ability to predict individual downpours still needs testing. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14229-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14229-2026 <b>Light absorption properties and composition of water-soluble brown carbon in North China Plain: implication for an enhancing role of nitrogenous organic compounds</b><br> Can Wu, Huijun Zhang, Kehan Sun, Rongjie Li, Ziting Yan, Yubao Chen, Zheng Li, Binyu Xiao, Yanqin Ren, and Gehui Wang<br> Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 14229–14243, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-14229-2026, 2026<br> Nitrogenous organic compounds represent the pivotal chromophores governing the optical properties of atmospheric brown carbon (BrC) across the North China Plain, which are mainly formed through ammonia-driven aqueous reactions. Accordingly, the mitigation of ammonia emissions is indispensable for the further abatement of haze and BrC pollution in this region. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0200