Investigating the Influence of Sea Spray Particle Composition on Water Uptake

Abstract:

Sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles influence climate by scattering solar radiation and serving as cloud seeds. Their specific influence depends, in part, on the extent to which they interact with water, which depends importantly on particle composition. The composition of freshly-emitted SSA particles is connected to the water (ocean) composition—especially biological activity—and the SSA production mechanism. Results from both field measurements and a suite of laboratory mesocosm experiments utilizing real ocean water and stimulated phytoplankton blooms with realistic simulated wave breaking will be discussed to demonstrate the complex relationships between nascent SSA particle water uptake and particle and source water composition.