What are Ice Nuclei?

Ice nuclei are specific particles that serve as a foundation for ice crystal formation in clouds. These particles can be of various origins, including mineral dust, biological materials, and even pollution. When the temperature in a cloud drops below freezing, these ice nuclei provide the necessary surface for water vapor to crystallize, thus forming ice crystals in a process known as heterogeneous nucleation.

Understanding the role of ice nuclei is crucial as they significantly influence cloud formation, precipitation processes, and the overall dynamics of the atmosphere. They help determine how and when precipitation occurs, as well as the types of clouds that develop in certain atmospheric conditions.