A Contrasting Case Study of the Proportion and Types of Biological Ice Nucleating Particles from Continental and Maritime Sources
EMSL Project ID
49349
Abstract
Biological particles may be an important source of ice nucleating particles (INPs) at modestly supercooled cloud temperatures. These particles can thus have large effects on precipitation and climate. Unfortunately, little is known about the types and sources of biological particles that can serve as INPs. This work aims to address some of the more pressing questions regarding biological INPs with emphasis on the sources of marine and continental biological particles, the biological and physical processes that cause their emission, and their role in ice formation in clouds. Measurements made onboard two cruises in the Southern Ocean (CAPRICORN and MARCUS), during a flight study (ARISTO) and simultaneous ground measurements in Colorado, and throughout laboratory studies of sea spray (CAICE) will allow for a comparison of marine and continental sources of biological particles. This work will utilize scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, single particle mass spectrometry (SPLAT II), and liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS) at EMSL to identify and characterize the total aerosol population as well as the ice-nucleating fraction. Soil organic matter will also be characterized using Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (FT-ICR MS). This detailed molecular level characterization of biological particles will greatly advance our understanding of how biological processes produce aerosol particles that alter cold cloud properties.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2016-10-01
End Date
2019-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
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