Condensation nuclei provide the non-gaseous surface area required for water vapor to condense into cloud droplets. As the droplets coalesce, they grow larger and eventually fall off as a precipitate.
What is Condensation nuclei?
- Condensation nuclei, small airborne particles of solid or liquid that initiate the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere.
- Its diameter ranges from a few microns to a few tenths of a micron.
- There are two main categories of condensation nuclei: Hygroscopic and hydrophobic.
- Hygroscopic nuclei are nuclei that “seek water”.
- Water vapor easily condenses on hygroscopic surfaces, even at relative humidity well below 100%.
- The most common types of condensation nuclei are salt crystals, particulate matter produced by burning fossil fuels, and dust kicked up from the Earth's surface
- .Condensation of water in the condensation nucleus begins at a certain height known as the cloud base or elevated level of condensation.
- Water molecules attach to the particles and form cloud droplets with a radius of about 20 microns or less.
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