Tutorial 5:

New particle formation and Aerosol Growth

Ilona Riipinen– Stockholm University, Sweden

Abstract: A large fraction of atmospheric aerosol number originates from secondary sources, i.e. from nucleation and condensation of vapors. Understanding how condensation of vapors influence the atmospheric aerosol size distribution is important for predicting e.g. the potential impact of this secondary material on aerosol-cloud interactions. This tutorial introduces the processes governing atmospheric new particle formation and growth, discusses the related thermodynamics and kinetics as well as the vapors involved. The tutorial also outlines how our understanding of this topic has evolved in the past decades through both experimental as well as theoretical developments. Finally, the relevance of atmospheric new particle formation for predictions of atmospheric composition, climate and air quality is discussed.

Short bio: Ilona Riipinen is a professor of atmospheric science and the director of the Bolin Centre for Climate Research at Stockholm University. Her research interests span from the molecular processes involved in atmospheric phase transitions to the global scale effects of aerosol particles. Dr. Riipinen is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Science and her work has been recognized through e.g. the Friedlander award, the Schmoluchowski award, and Sixten Heymans Pris. She is enthusiastic about thermodynamics, air, and creating research environments that build on excellence, creativity and having fun.