Articles | Volume 4, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-4-37-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-4-37-2026
Research article
 | 
20 Feb 2026
Research article |  | 20 Feb 2026

Investigating small ion number size distributions: insight into cluster formation and growth

Santeri Tuovinen, Janne Lampilahti, Nina Sarnela, Chengfeng Liu, Yongchun Liu, Markku Kulmala, and Veli-Matti Kerminen

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Cited articles

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Charged molecular clusters, called small ions, are always present in the atmosphere. Few studies have focused on their size distribution, and, motivated by this, we study the size of small ions and how it varies in Hyytiälä, Finland, and Beijing, China. We find that the relationship between small ion size and low-volatility vapor concentrations is strong in Hyytiälä. In both locations, we find that the small ion size has a positive relationship with cluster formation and growth.
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