Distinct Characteristics of Heavy Metal and Water‐Soluble Ion Composition in Hailstone: Insights Into Atmospheric Sources and Microphysical Processes

Abstract

AbstractThe investigation of chemical composition in hailstones offers valuable insights into cloud physics. Unique characteristics of heavy metals and water‐soluble ions have been detected to provide a comprehensive perspective on their presence and behavior within hailstones. 34 hailstone samples were collected from 12 cities in China between 2016 and 2021. Regional differences in heavy metal concentrations between northern and southern China are influenced by anthropogenic pollution sources. Water‐soluble ions are dominated by distant marine aerosol sources. The most notable distinction is that heavy metals display negligible correlation with PM10, whereas water‐soluble ions exhibit a statistically significant relationship. This suggests that chemical components contribute to hailstone formation through diverse pathways. Water‐soluble ions with hygroscopicity primarily act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to promote the formation of cloud droplets. Heavy metals are barely noticeable when attached to aerosol particles due to random collisions with various hydrometeors.