On Nucleation Phenomena I: A Molecular Model

Abstract

Abstract Nucleation events involving water and ice play a vital role in many atmospheric processes. This paper describes a molecular model for prenucleation water clusters. Results are presented for the formation of these clusters from the supersaturated vapor. The temperature dependence of the model is shown to agree with the classical (liquid drop) model and nucleation rates are calculated and compared with experiment. This model has the advantage of being readily extended to homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation of ice as well as being applicable to the description of ion-hydration processes. We believe the information inherent in the model concerning interactions on a molecular level can be applied to nucleation phenomena in the atmosphere and can enhance understanding of these processes. This introductory paper describes the progress which has been made and the areas of extended application of these results.