Formation of Haze, Fog, and Clouds: Condensation Nuclei

Formation of Haze, Fog, and Clouds: Condensation Nuclei

• The process of condensation of vapor -> water to form a cloud drop is not that simple in the atmosphere

• NEED Condensation Nuclei to form cloud drops

• Condensation Nuclei:

  • small particles in air created from/by:

    • dust
    • volcanoes
    • factory smoke
    • forest fires
    • ocean salt
    • sulfate particles from phytoplankton in ocean
  • They are most abundant in lower troposphere over urban areas
  • They are quite small relative to a rain drop or cloud drop -->>