Progress in Unraveling Atmospheric New Particle Formation and Growth Across the Arctic

New particle formation (NPF) and growth can be an important source of cloud condensation nuclei for the Arctic atmosphere, where cloud formation is sensitive to their availability. Low-level clouds influence the Arctic energy budget, and likely contribute to amplified Arctic warming. Molecular information of NPF is rarely reported, despite its importance to determine sources of condensing vapors and nucleation mechanisms. Beck et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl091334) shed light on the complexity of NPF and growth at two Arctic locations. They reveal that chemical drivers and sources are diverse across the Arctic. This advance in knowledge calls for similar studies throughout all seasons and in various Arctic environments to obtain a more systematic understanding of NPF and growth.

Automated summary

New particle formation and growth play a crucial role in providing cloud condensation nuclei for the Arctic atmosphere, influencing cloud formation and the Arctic energy budget. Beck et al. shed light on the complex processes of NPF and growth at Arctic locations, revealing diverse chemical drivers and sources across the region. Further studies are needed to gain a systematic understanding of NPF and growth in various Arctic environments throughout all seasons.