Tropospheric aerosol hygroscopicity in China

Abstract

Hygroscopicity largely determines phase state, chemical reactivity, optical properties, and cloud nucleation activities of aerosol particles, thus significantly affecting their impacts on visibility, atmospheric chemistry, and climate. In the last 20 years, a large number of field studies have investigated the hygroscopicity of tropospheric aerosols in China under subsaturated and supersaturated conditions. Aerosol hygroscopicity measurements in China are reviewed in this paper: (1) a comprehensive summary and critical discussion of aerosol hygroscopicity measurements in China are provided; (2) available measurement data are compiled and presented under a consistent framework to enhance their accessibility and usability; and (3) current knowledge gaps are identified, and an outlook which could serve as guidelines for planning future research is also proposed.