On the Relationship between Sulfate and Cloud Droplet Number Concentrations

Abstract

Comparisons are drawn between the aerosol cloud microphysical theory implicit in the modeling of Kaufman et al. and the cloud droplet and cloud water sulfate concentrations of Leaitch et al. for the purpose of helping to understand the effect of sulfate particles on climate through cloud modification. In terms of the range of possibilities and prospects for future climate given by Kaufman et al. for the effect of sulfur on cloud albedo, the data favor the possibility of stronger cooling. Scatter in the data makes it impossible to constrain model parameters., however, the comparisons suggest that there may not be a universal relationship, and that the uncertainties involved in trying to model this proem are large.