Seasonal Variations and Frequency Distributions of Ice Nuclei Concentrations at Abidjan, West Africa

J. Bertrand Université d'Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Search for other papers by J. Bertrand in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
J. Baudet Université d'Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Search for other papers by J. Baudet in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
J. Dessens Centre de Recherches Atmosphériques, Lannemezan, France

Search for other papers by J. Dessens in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Full access

Abstract

Atmospheric ice nuclei concentrations were measured at Abidjan for 27 months, with a mixing chamber operated at −20C. Seasonal variations appear to be linked to the position of the Intertropical Front. Air masses arriving from continental Africa correspond to high ice nuclei concentrations. The washing out of the atmosphere due to rain gives rise to low concentrations. The distribution of daily concentration averages may be represented by a log-normal distribution with high probability of convergence.

Abstract

Atmospheric ice nuclei concentrations were measured at Abidjan for 27 months, with a mixing chamber operated at −20C. Seasonal variations appear to be linked to the position of the Intertropical Front. Air masses arriving from continental Africa correspond to high ice nuclei concentrations. The washing out of the atmosphere due to rain gives rise to low concentrations. The distribution of daily concentration averages may be represented by a log-normal distribution with high probability of convergence.

Save