2011 · 13 citations · 72 references
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesMeteorologyClimate ScienceClimatologyCloud PhysicsCloud NucleationCloud-aerosol InteractionsCryosphere ClimatologyIce MicrophysicsIce NucleationIce-atmosphere InteractionsFreezingGlobal Climate SystemsHeterogeneous FreezingIce Nucleation Active BacteriaIce Nucleation AgentsIce Nucleation ProcessesIce Nuclei ActivationIce-phase Microphysics
Abstract. Bacteria are the most active naturally occuring ice nuclei (IN) due to the ice nucleation active proteins on their surface, which serve as active sites for ice nucleation. Their potential impact on clouds and precipitation is not well known and needs to be investigated. Bacteria as a new aerosol species were introduced into the global climate model (GCM) ECHAM5-HAM. The inclusion of bacteria acting as IN in a GCM leads to only minor changes in cloud formation and precipitation on a global level, however, changes in the liquid water path and ice water path can be observed, specifically in the boreal regions where tundra and forests act as sources of bacteria.
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