Atmospheric aerosol particles

Abstract

Thus far we have discussed the macrophysical requirements for cloud formation. Since each cloud droplet forms on an aerosol particle, these particles will be discussed in this chapter. An aerosol is defined as a dispersed system of solid or liquid particles suspended in a carrier gas, in our case air. Although technically the term “aerosol” includes both the particles and the carrier gas, in atmospheric science it is common to use the term “aerosols” just for the solid or liquid particles and to neglect the carrier gas.