Abstract
Abstract. Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) and associated production of secondary particulate matter dominate aerosol particle number concentrations and submicron particle mass loadings in many environments globally. Our recent investigations show that atmospheric NPF produces a significant amount of particles on days when no clear NPF event has been observed/identified. Furthermore, it has been observed in different environments all around the world that growth rates of nucleation mode particles vary little, usually much less than the measured concentrations of condensable vapors. It has also been observed that the local clustering, which in many cases acts as a starting point of regional new particle formation (NPF), can be described with the formation of intermediate ions at the smallest sizes. These observations, together with a recently developed ranking method, lead us to propose a paradigm shift in atmospheric NPF investigations. In this opinion paper, we will summarize the traditional approach of describing atmospheric NPF and describe an alternative method, covering both particle formation and initial growth. The opportunities and remaining challenges offered by the new approach are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.