Elucidating New Particle Formation in Complex Terrain during the Winter 2022 CFACT Campaign

New particle formation (NPF) is a complex atmospheric phenomenon characterized by the sudden burst and growth in aerosol particles. Depending on its intensity and growth, NPF can contribute to aerosol loading in urban and remote regions, degrading air quality and inhibiting public health. Previous studies have shown that NPF contributes to the formation of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), changing the overall composition of clouds and modifying their effects on climate. Over the past 20 years, numerous field studies have improved our understanding of NPF and highlighted possible chemical and physical processes required to initiate NPF. For instance, processes in the Atmospheric Boundary-Layer such as turbulent mixing can lead to the decoupling of different atmospheric reservoirs to help initiate NPF. However, it is not easy to quantify how a specific process influences NPF due to complex physical interactions between the atmosphere, land surfaces, and intricate chemical precursors needed for aerosol formation. The research presented here will help better understand which atmospheric processes enhance or limit NPF. This analysis uses observations from the extensive CFACT (Cold Fog Amongst Complex Terrain) field study which was conducted in the Heber Valley of northern Utah during the winter of 2022. This analysis presents in situ measurements and derived variables to quantify the relationship between specific boundary-layer processes and meteorological variables on NPF and aerosol transport. Doing so will help inform air quality policy in mountainous regions and address climate concerns.