| 21 Oct 2025
Measurement report: Role of Organic Coating and Chemical Composition on Ice Nucleation Potential of Atmospheric Particles in European Arctic
Abstract. Understanding the ice nucleation (IN) potential of Arctic aerosols is critical for predicting their influence on cloud formation and water cycles in this vulnerable region. This study investigates the role of particle composition, organic coatings, and aerosol sources in modulating IN activity across five aerosol samples collected at the Gruvebadet Observatory Station in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. The IN potential of Arctic aerosol particles was studied by investigating chemical, morphological, and ice activity measurements. Single-particle analyses revealed distinct differences in mixing state, organic volume fraction (OVF), and organic coating morphology across samples. OVF distributions were linked to particle origin, with marine-influenced Na-rich particles often exhibiting thin organic coatings, while long-range transported particles showed thicker organic coatings. Biogenic contributions, though variable, were linked to heat-sensitive INPs, suggesting a role for labile biological macromolecules under certain meteorological conditions. Pearson correlation analysis between particle composition and immersion-mode ice-nucleating particle (INP) concentrations at two freezing temperatures indicated that organic-rich and Na-rich particles were positively associated with enhanced ice activity. However, discrepancies in INP activity were observed for particles with thicker organic coatings, where the morphological configuration of the organic material may play a role. The results highlight that Arctic INP variability is governed not only by chemical composition but also by the morphological configuration of organic material, which can either enhance or inhibit ice nucleation depending on its abundance, distribution, thickness, and mixing state. These findings underscore the combined influence of source regions, atmospheric processing, and organic–inorganic interactions in shaping Arctic aerosol freezing behavior.
Competing interests: Some authors are members of the editorial board of journal ACP.
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