Shiraiwa group shows organic particles are more often glass beads than liquid in the atmosphere

 

 

Organic particles account for a large fraction of fine particulate matter and have a strong influence on regional and global air quality. Traditionally, they were assumed to be oily liquid droplets, but recent studies have suggested they can be glassy depending on environmental conditions. Whether the particles are liquid or solid makes a big difference for how they interact with clouds and trace gases and how they can influence climate and public health. So far, however, it was unclear if and where in the atmosphere organic particles are liquid or solid. A new study published in the journal Nature Communications (www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15002) provides a first estimate of global distribution of organic particle phase state in the atmosphere.