Sulphuric acid aerosols in low oxygen environments

Experiments on sulphuric acid nucleation in low oxygen atmospheres were done order to investigate the role of Archean atmosphere. Nucleation initiated by photolysis SO 2 and subsequent reaction between atomic O was measured with a PSM separate CPC. The parameters < 10 ppm varying levels (4 from 40 105 ppb), RH (3 0 51%), UV light (254 nm, 4 55 100% power), ionization (2 levels: Background ( ∼ 3 cm −3 s −1 ) increased w. gamma sources 42 )). We find that is possible under these conditions formation rates correlate positively all varied parameters. This suggests system could have played • Aerosol particles be nucleated very little Ancient Earth. Sulphuric formed through sulphur dioxide. Sensitivity relative humidity, levels, SO2, tested.