Relative Humidity Dependence of Light Extinction by Mixed Organic/Sulfate Particles

Abstract

Light extinction by particles is important locally and regionally for visibility reduction, and globally for climate. Light\rextinction by particles is strongly dependent on the size, chemical composition, and water content of the aerosol. Here we\rinvestigate the humidity dependence of light extinction, fRHext, by particles of varying organic composition. We have found a linear trend between fRHext and mass fraction of organic species for a variety of water-soluble organic compounds. We are currently extending the studies\rto include partially soluble and insoluble organic compounds.