The main objective of this project is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of ice formation, the interaction between ice crystals and droplets as well as the role of the aerosol particles in the development and the evolution of clouds in contrasted marine environments. The ACME project will address the following scientific questions:
 

  • How is the development and the evolution of the mixed-phase clouds impacted (ice vs. liquid vertical distributions, in-cloud thermodynamical properties, and surface precipitation) by new ice (primary and secondary) formation mechanisms?
  • What is the predominant mechanism for the formation of the ice particles (heterogeneous ice formation and/or secondary ice production)?
  • What are the consequences of the different aerosol loadings in various marine environments on the mixed-phase cloud microphysical properties (e.g. sizes and concentrations of ice particles and droplets)?