Publication

Bioaerosols outcompete dust as dominant immersion-mode-INPs in central Europe and redefine INP parameterizations

2026

Abstract

Abstract. Knowledge gaps in the source and parameterization of ice-nucleating particles (INPs) remain a major uncertainty in quantifying the properties and climate impacts of mixed-phase clouds (MPCs). Bioaerosols are increasingly recognized as important INPs for MPCs, yet it is unclear whether their contribution is critical through modelling studies. We investigate this using field observations at a semi-rural site in the central Europe, combining INP and aerosol measurements, remote sensing, and air-mass source analysis. We synergically use the results of in-situ and offline measurements to identify INPs originated from different sources, including biological aerosols, dust, and biomass burning aerosols, and to quantify their abundance and relative contributions to total INPs. More than 85% of immersion-mode INPs (>−24°C) are heat-labile and significantly correlated with fluorescent biological aerosols particles and pollen, while heat-resistant INPs (

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/17e39ac5-842e-437c-aefa-1877cabedace

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2026

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/17e39ac5-842e-437c-aefa-1877cabedace

About this result

Related concepts (32)

Cloud physics

Cloud physics is the study of the physical processes that lead to the formation, growth and precipitation of atmospheric clouds. These aerosols are found in the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere, which collectively make up the greatest part of the homosphere. Clouds consist of microscopic droplets of liquid water (warm clouds), tiny crystals of ice (cold clouds), or both (mixed phase clouds), along with microscopic particles of dust, smoke, or other matter, known as condensation nuclei.

Bioaerosol

Bioaerosols (short for biological aerosols) are a subcategory of particles released from terrestrial and marine ecosystems into the atmosphere. They consist of both living and non-living components, such as fungi, pollen, bacteria and viruses. Common sources of bioaerosols include soil, water, and sewage. Bioaerosols are typically introduced into the air via wind turbulence over a surface. Once in the atmosphere, they can be transported locally or globally: common wind patterns/strengths are responsible for local dispersal, while tropical storms and dust plumes can move bioaerosols between continents.

Mineral dust

Mineral dust is atmospheric aerosol originated from the suspension of minerals constituting the soil, composed of various oxides and carbonates. Human activities lead to 30% of the airborne dust load in the atmosphere. The Sahara Desert is the major source of mineral dust, which subsequently spreads across the Mediterranean (where it is the origin of rain dust) and Caribbean seas into northern South America, Central America, and eastern North America, and Europe.

Related publications (3)

Bioaerosols outcompete dust as dominant immersion-mode-INPs in central Europe and redefine INP parameterizations

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