Cloud condensation nuclei

Cloud condensation nuclei are airborne particles on which water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets. Their abundance and properties influence cloud formation and droplet size.

Köhler theory: A theory describing how solute and curvature jointly determine the equilibrium vapor pressure over a small droplet. It explains how soluble particles lower the humidity needed for cloud droplets to grow.
Atmospheric aerosol: A suspension of liquid or solid particles in Earth's atmosphere. Cloud condensation nuclei are the subset of atmospheric aerosols capable of activating into droplets.
Cloud albedo effect: The increase in cloud reflectivity that can result when more numerous, smaller droplets form. More cloud condensation nuclei can increase droplet number and brighten some clouds.
Sea spray aerosol: Particles produced when bubbles burst and water droplets eject from the ocean surface. Sea spray supplies salt-rich particles that readily take up water and activate.
Aerosol–cloud interactions: The processes through which atmospheric aerosols affect cloud formation, properties, and lifetime. Cloud condensation nuclei are a direct pathway by which aerosols modify clouds.
Critical supersaturation: The minimum water-vapor supersaturation at which an aerosol particle can activate into a growing cloud droplet. It marks the threshold that a cloud condensation nucleus must cross to activate.
Water vapor: Water in its gaseous state, present in the atmosphere in varying concentrations. It supplies the water that condenses onto cloud condensation nuclei.
Twomey effect: The increase in cloud reflectance caused by smaller droplets when liquid-water content is held constant. It describes a key radiative consequence of adding cloud condensation nuclei.
Sulfate aerosol: Atmospheric particles containing sulfate, formed from emissions or emitted directly in particle form. Sulfate particles can act as efficient cloud condensation nuclei.
Cloud lifetime effect: A proposed cloud response in which smaller droplets suppress precipitation and extend cloud persistence. Changes in nucleus abundance can alter droplet sizes and the onset of rain.

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