Theoretical framework for measuring cloud effective supersaturation fluctuations with an advanced optical system
<p>Supersaturation is crucial in cloud physics, determining aerosol activation and influencing cloud droplet size distributions, yet its measurement remains challenging and poorly constrained. This study proposes a theoretical framework to simultaneously observe critical activation diameter an...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics |
| Online Access: | https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/25/1163/2025/acp-25-1163-2025.pdf |
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| Summary: | <p>Supersaturation is crucial in cloud physics, determining aerosol activation and influencing cloud droplet size distributions, yet its measurement remains challenging and poorly constrained. This study proposes a theoretical framework to simultaneously observe critical activation diameter and hygroscopicity of activated aerosols through direct measurements of scattering and water-induced scattering enhancement of interstitial and activated aerosols, enabling effective supersaturation measurements. Advanced optical systems based on this framework allow minute- to second-level effective supersaturation measurements, capturing fluctuations vital to cloud microphysics. Although currently limited to clouds with supersaturations below <span class="inline-formula">∼</span> 0.2 % due to small scattering signals from sub-100 nm aerosols, advancements in optical sensors could extend its applicability. Its suitability for long-term measurements allows for climatological studies of fogs and mountain clouds. When equipped with aerial vehicles, the system could also measure aloft clouds. Therefore, the proposed theory serves as a valuable method for both short-term and long-term cloud microphysics and aerosol–cloud interaction studies.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 1680-7316 1680-7324 |