THE EFFECT OF ATMOSPHERIC NITRIC-ACID VAPOR ON CLOUD CONDENSATION NUCLEUS ACTIVATION

Activation and growth of cloud condensation nuclei are investigated. A one-dimensional cloud model including detailed microphysics is develo ped. The system studied consists of NaNO3 Particles and condensing wat er and HNO3 vapors. According to numerical simulations, enhanced conce ntrations of atmospheric nitric acid vapor affect cloud formation by i ncreasing the number of cloud droplets and decreasing their mean size compared to circumstances where no condensable vapors other than water are present. It is argued that the cloud albedo increases because of these effects.