The impact of organic material on cloud and fog processes

Abstract

Airborne surface-active organic substances can form adsorbed films at air-water and air-solid interfaces in the atmosphere. On the basis of considerable laboratory research, it has been suggested that these films can modify the microphysical processes of clouds and fog. The possible alterations of physical processes include retardation of the rate of growth and evaporation of water drops, passivation of cloud condensation nuclei, modification of drop coalescence efficiency, and the promotion of drop instability. The chemical structure of the film-forming compounds and the physical properties of the adsorbed films determine the degree to which the physical processes are modified. Upon consideration of the actual organic composition of the atmosphere, it was concluded that natural surface films will not greatly influence drop growth and evaporation. In addition, there is no definitive evidence from field experiments that other processes are influenced by natural organic films. The potential for useful weather modification through the intentional introduction of film-forming organic substances into the atmosphere was critically evaluated. Although numerous approaches have been suggested by laboratory studies, only the stabilization of airborne drops against evaporation has been unequivocally demonstrated in field experiments.