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Science 26 September 2003:
Vol. 301. no. 5641, pp. 1886 - 1889
DOI: 10.1126/science.1087236
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Reports

Particle Formation by Ion Nucleation in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere

S.-H. Lee,1* J. M. Reeves,1 J. C. Wilson,1 D. E. Hunton,2 A. A. Viggiano,2 T. M. Miller,2 J. O. Ballenthin,2 L. R. Lait3

Unexpectedly high concentrations of ultrafine particles were observed over a wide range of latitudes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Particle number concentrations and size distributions simulated by a numerical model of ion-induced nucleation, constrained by measured thermodynamic data and observed atmospheric key species, were consistent with the observations. These findings indicate that, at typical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere conditions, particles are formed by this nucleation process and grow to measurable sizes with sufficient sun exposure and low preexisting aerosol surface area. Ion-induced nucleation is thus a globally important source of aerosol particles, potentially affecting cloud formation and radiative transfer.

1 Department of Engineering, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA.
2 Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicle Directorate, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA 01731, USA.
3 National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: shanlee{at}du.edu

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