Origin, size distribution and hygroscopic properties of marine aerosols in the south-western Indian Ocean: report of 6 campaigns of shipborne observations

Abstract. Marine aerosol observations from 6 shipborne campaigns carried out in 2021 and 2023 in the southwest Indian Ocean are presented. A set of aerosol instruments is used to study the spatial and temporal variability of the aerosol size distribution, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), activation diameters, and hygroscopicity (κ). Total number of aerosols (Na) shows concentration above 1500 cm^-3 in polluted areas, and between 100–1500 cm^-3 in the open ocean. CCN measurements (0.2 %, 0.4 % supersaturation) range from 40 to 500 cm^-3. At 0.2 % (0.4 %) supersaturation, the average activation diameter is 104 (76) nm and κ is 0.36 (0.25). Using a back-trajectory model, the aerosol data were classified into three source regions. Aerosols are hydrophobic in the continental group (κ from 0.1 to 0.13), hydrophilic in the Subtropical Indian Ocean group (κ from 0.24 to 0.4), and intermediate values are found in the Southern Indian Ocean group (κ from 0.17 to 0.22). Subtropical Indian Ocean κ increases with stronger wind speeds. Southern Indian Ocean κ decreases significantly (between 0.2 % and 0.4 % supersaturation) with stronger wind speeds, probably due to a higher concentration of organic species on the smallest particle surface. High aerosol concentration events are presented. Pollution related to air masses passing through a well-developed continental boundary layer. Nucleation triggered by clear skies between two cloudy periods. Arrival of air masses at the ship’s location after a precipitation event.