A dance of aerosols: Study shows plant-sourced particles pick and choose their partners
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 08:31
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- In the complex molecular mixer that is the atmosphere, some molecules dance with others and some are wallflowers, according to scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Using a unique environmental testing chamber located at PNNL, the team was able to watch vapors and particles mix in real time. The scientists focused on how a specific vapor, responsible for the aromatic scent of fir trees, forms carbon-containing particles that mix with certain carbon-containing acids in the atmosphere. Their findings show that climate models are underestimating the total amount of carbon-containing particles formed in the air.