Relationship of Cloud Nuclei Spectra to Aerosol Size Distribution and Composition

Abstract

Cloud nuclei spectra have been calculated as a function of aerosol size distribution and soluble salt content. Size distribution of the nucleating aerosol is shown to be the most important factor in determining the cloud nuclei spectra, with compositional variations being significant only for aerosols with less than 10% soluble material. Variations in the physical parameters entering into the calculations do not affect the results for normal aerosols. Comparison with some observed spectra shows both similarities and differences which should be useful in gaining more understanding of cloud nuclei spectra and unusual aerosol distributions.