Cloud Chemistry

Clouds cover 60% of the Earth’s surface at a given time and are the primary means by which constituents from the polluted boundary layer are lofted to the free troposphere. Clouds also are aqueous-phase chemical reactors, scavenging soluble gas-phase precursors and supporting oxidation reactions that contribute to increased aerosol mass when the cloud drops evaporate. However, atmospheric chemistry observations (field campaigns and satellite retrievals) typically avoid clouds resulting in a lack of knowledge of cloud chemistry impacts on tropospheric composition.

cumulus cloud

Whiteface Mountain, New York Studies

In collaboration with U. Albany, modeling of cloud chemistry is being performed. 

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Whiteface Mountain Observatory (44.4N, 73.9W).

Find Whiteface Mountain on this Google Map.



 

ACOM Type
Cloud Chemistry