On the Particles in Fogs and Clouds

Abstract

At the beginning of the paper some observations made on the water particles in clouds on the Rigi on the 21st of May last are described. Previous observations with the fog-particle counter had shown that there is a relation between the density of a cloud and the number of water particles observed. On the occasion above referred to the number was very much greater than corresponded with the density. It is pointed out that the number of dust particles in the air which become centres of condensation depends on the rate at which the condensation is taking place, quick condensation causing a large number of particles to become active, slow condensation causing a small number; and that after the condensation has ceased a process of differentiation takes place, the larger particles, robbing the smaller ones of their water, owing to the vapour-pressure at the surface of drops of large curvature being less than at the surface of drops of smaller curvature. The particles in a cloud are by this process reduced in number, those remaining becoming larger and falling quicker, the cloud thus tending to become thinner by the reduction of the number of particles and by the falling of some of them. It is shown that the exceptional readings above referred to, obtained on the Rigi, were owing to the observations then made being taken in a new and rapidly-formed cloud, due to the strong wind blowing at the time causing a quick ascent and rapid cooling and condensation, the result being the formation of a large number of very small water particles. Though the number was very great, the particles were so small they were only just visible with great care with the magnifying power used in the instrument. Previous observations on cloud particles had been made in slowly-formed or in old clouds after the process of differentiation had been in play for some time, and after the drops had been reduced in number and increased in size.