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Global observations of cloud‐sensitive aerosol loadings in low‐level marine clouds
Author(s) -
Andersen H.,
Cermak J.,
Fuchs J.,
Schwarz K.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1002/2016jd025614
Subject(s) - aerosol , cloud condensation nuclei , atmospheric sciences , environmental science , sea salt aerosol , radiative transfer , water vapor , cloud computing , condensation , meteorology , physics , sea salt , quantum mechanics , computer science , operating system
Aerosol‐cloud interaction is a key component of the Earth's radiative budget and hydrological cycle, but many facets of its mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, global satellite‐derived aerosol and cloud products are used to identify at what aerosol loading cloud droplet size shows the greatest sensitivity to changes in aerosol loading ( A C S max ). While, on average, cloud droplet size is most sensitive at relatively low aerosol loadings, distinct spatial and temporal patterns exist. Possible determinants for these are identified with reanalysis data. The magnitude of A C S max is found to be constrained by the total columnar water vapor. Seasonal patterns of water vapor are reflected in the seasonal patterns of A C S max . Also, situations with enhanced turbulent mixing are connected to higher A C S max , possibly due to intensified aerosol activation. Of the analyzed aerosol species, dust seems to impact A C S max the most, as dust particles increase the retrieved aerosol loading without substantially increasing the concentration of cloud condensation nuclei.