THE GROWTH OF SEA-SALT PARTICLES BY CONDENSATION OF ATMOSPHERIC WATER VAPOR

Abstract

Measurements of the rate of growth of sea-salt particles have been made when the particle is shifted from an environment of dry air to one of relative humidity between 80 and 100 per cent. For particles ranging in mass from 10⁻⁹ to 2 × 10⁻⁸ gram, agreement is found with growth times predicted by an equation which principally differs from previous derivations in that empirical vapor-pressure data are utilized. The growth time is observed to be independent of ventilation at air speeds less than 30 to 40 centimeters per second. The growth equation was reintegrated under variable humidity and temperature conditions corresponding to rates of lift observed in the atmosphere. The curves thus obtained approximately trace the growth of sea-salt particles rising from the sea surface to cloud base.