Size-resolved CCN distributions and activation kinetics of aged continental and marine aerosol

We present size-segregated measurements of cloud condensation nucleus (CCN) activity of aged aerosol sampled at Finokalia, Crete, during the Finokalia Aerosol Measurement Experiment of summer 2007 (FAME07). From analysis of the data, hygroscopicity and activation kinetics distributions are derived. The CCN are found to be highly hygroscopic, (expressed by a size-and time-averaged hygroscopicity parameter kappa similar to 0.22), with the majority of particles activating at similar to 0.5-0.6% supersaturation. Air masses originating from Central-Eastern Europe tend to be associated with higher CCN concentrations and slightly lower hygroscopicity (kappa similar to 0.18) than for other airmass types. The particles were always well mixed, as reflected by the high activation ratios and narrow hygroscopicity distribution widths. Smaller particles (similar to 40 nm) were found to be more hygroscopic (similar to 0.1 kappa units higher) than the larger ones (similar to 100 nm). The particles with diameters less than 80 nm exhibited a diurnal hygroscopicity cycle (with kappa peaking at similar to 14 h local time), consistent with photochemical aging and volatilization of less hygroscopic material from the aerosol. Use of bulk chemical composition and the aerosol number distribution results in excellent CCN closure when applying Kohler theory in its simplest form. Using asymptotic and threshold droplet growth analysis, the aged organics present in the aerosol were found not to suppress or delay the water uptake kinetics of particles in this environment.