Giant Condensation Nuclei from Bursting Bubbles

Abstract

AMONG cloud physics workers there is increasing recognition that the larger of the salt nuclei that are found in the air may initiate rain by coalescence in clouds. Hence mechanisms which produce these nuclei at ocean surfaces are of special interest. Köhler¹ has suggested that they result from spray formed by the action of strong winds on wave crests. More recently, Aliverti and Lovera² have related the production of minute salt particles to the presence of bursting bubbles at the sea surface, and Facy³ has suggested that the particles result from the shattering of the thin water-films present in clusters of bubbles.