New Particle Formation in the Marine Boundary Layer: The Frequency, Mechanism, and Impact on Cloud Condensation Nuclei

该项目将现有的观测数据与更新的模型模拟相结合，以解决目前关于新粒子形成的知识空白，特别是在海洋边界层云附近形成的新粒子。这项工作提供了急需的各种观测数据集与最先进的科学模拟的整合，并有可能填补现有的知识空白，并推进我们对云如何形成的理解。海洋上的云对太阳辐射和能量收支尤其重要，因此研究海洋上的云过程将增进我们对大气和气候的了解。这个项目包括三个主要任务。第一项任务旨在通过分析现有的现场测量，包括空中和地面（地面站点和研究巡航）观测，确定新粒子形成（NPF）发生的条件和海洋边界层（MBL）内NPF的主要驱动因素。这些观测数据集来自横跨大西洋和太平洋的实地活动。第二项任务旨在研究MBL NPF背后的机制，通过使用WRF-Chem模型的大涡模拟（LES）公式进行科学模拟，该模型受到第一项任务现场观测的约束。最后，第三个任务将在代表性条件下运行额外的WRF-Chem模拟，以量化MBL NPF对云凝结核（CCN）和云微物理的影响，以及由此产生的对MBL云的区域影响。这项工作包括支持和培训一名博士后研究员。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project combines existing observational data with updated model simulations to address current knowledge gaps regarding new particle formation, particularly new particles being formed in proximity to clouds in the marine boundary layer. This work provides a much-needed integration of various observational datasets with state-of-the-science simulations and has the potential to fill existing knowledge gaps and advance our understanding of how clouds are formed. Clouds over the ocean are particularly important with regard to solar radiation and the energy budget so research examining cloud processes over the ocean will enhance our understanding of our atmosphere and our climate.This project includes three primary tasks. The first task seeks to identify the conditions under which new particle formation (NPF) occurs and the main drivers of NPF within the marine boundary layer (MBL) via analysis of existing field measurements including airborne and surface (ground site and research cruise) observations. The observational datasets are pulled from field campaigns across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The second task seeks to investigate the mechanism behind MBL NPF via state-of-the-science simulations using the large eddy simulation (LES) formulation of the WRF-Chem model constrained by the field observations from the first task. Finally, the third task will run additional WRF-Chem simulations under representative conditions in order to quantify the impact of MBL NPF on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and cloud microphysics and the resultant regional impact on MBL clouds. This effort includes support and training for a postdoctoral researcher.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.