CCN and INP activity of middle eastern soil dust

The term mineral dust encompasses a myriad of particle compositions from both fertile and arid regions. Due to this diversity, the quantitative understanding as Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) Ice Nucleating Particles (INPs) in Earth’s atmosphere demand further investigation. This study characterizes CCN INP activity particles samples collected one major regions, Saudi Arabia. Samples were size selected at diameters (Dp) 300, 700, 950 nm introduced into Counter (CCNC) SPectrometer for (SPIN) chamber investigate cloud nucleation activity. chemical composition was analyzed with laser mass spectrometry mineralogical information provided by polarized light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy used ascertain morphology. Each exposed water supersaturations 0.06–1.0% CCNC ice supersaturation ratios 1.1 1.5 temperatures ?25 ?42 °C SPIN. ranged hygroscopicity values (?) 0.001 0.01. is towards lower range critical found other e.g. Sahara, North Africa, China Asia. activity, defined fractional activation onset natural dusts (e.g., Canary Islands), somewhat than industrially processed Arizona Test Dust. highlights importance considering size-resolved compositional data when interpreting cloud-nucleation soil dusts.