Integrating Aerosol Size Distribution Measurements with a 3D Chemical Transport Model

Accurately modeling aerosol dynamics is required to obtain an understanding of the particle number size distribution (PNSD), cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, and therefore aerosol indirect effects on climate. Any uncertain aerosol processes or uncertain model inputs will lead to uncertainty in the predicted CCN concentration fields. Key uncertainties in predicting CCN concentration fields include formation of primary particles due to aerosol emissions and the nucleation of condensable vapors as well as formation of secondary particles due to the condensation of volatile organic compounds.