AAAR 34th Annual Conference
October 12 - October 16, 2015
Hyatt Regency
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Abstract View
Characteristics of Cloud Condensation Nuclei in Barrow, Alaska
GARRETT WELSHOFER, Nathaniel May, Anne Jefferson, Patricia Quinn, Peter Peterson, William Simpson, Kerri Pratt, University of Michigan
Abstract Number: 228 Working Group: Remote and Regional Atmospheric Aerosols
Abstract Water condensation on particles in the atmosphere leads to cloud droplet formation, and the physical and chemical properties of these particles impacts their ability to form clouds and lead to precipitation. Submicron atmospheric particles and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations were measured near Barrow, Alaska from 2007 to 2010 at the NOAA Observatory. Concurrent measurements of ozone and bromine monoxide (BrO) concentrations in Barrow, Alaska allowed examination of CCN activity as a function of atmospheric oxidant concentrations. Additionally, we compared CCN and aerosol chemistry (inorganic ion concentrations) while examining air mass trajectories to identify potential sources influencing the CCN properties. Lastly, we examined seasonal variability of cloud condensation nuclei over the four-year period. This analysis will provide insights into the interactions between changes in Arctic surface properties (e.g. sea ice, snowpack) and cloud properties as the Arctic undergoes rapid climate change.