Climate Trivia: Cloud Condensation Nuclei
The term cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) is a fancy way of describing the tiny particles that even smaller water vapor droplets cling to as raindrops form. Once enough water vapor droplets gather on the nuclei, raindrops fall. This is a critical part of Earth’s water cycle, which moves water from the oceans to the land, making freshwater and life on land possible. Without the nuclei, water vapor would not collect and fall as raindrops.
Trivia Question: Which of the following is a common source of cloud condensation nuclei?
a. Dust storms
b. Ocean salt spray
c. Volcanoes
d. Ocean algae
e. All of the above
The correct answer is e. Dust from dust storms, salt from the ocean, sulfate from volcanic activity, and a substance emitted in large quantities by ocean algae blooms called dimethylsulfide are all crucial sources of cloud condensation nuclei. Any changes in the concentrations of these different nuclei can affect the weather by affecting when and how clouds form and rain falls.
Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Source: Vakkubam SM et al. “Weak response of oceanic dimethylsulfide to upper mixing shoaling induced by global warming.” PNAS 104 (2007): 16004-16009.
