ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SULFATE AND CLOUD DROPLET NUMBER CONCENTRATIONS

Comparisons are drawn between the aerosol cloud microphysical theory i mplicit in the modeling of Kaufman et al. and the cloud droplet and cl oud water sulfate concentrations of Leaitch et al. for the purpose of helping to understand the effect of sulfate particles on climate throu gh cloud modification. In terms of the range of possibilities and pros pects for future climate given by Kaufman et al. for the effect of sul fur on cloud albedo, the data favor the possibility of stronger coolin g. Scatter in the data makes it impossible to constrain model paramete rs; however, the comparisons suggest that there may not be a universal relationship, and that the uncertainties involved in trying to model this process are large.