Divergent Impacts of Biomass Burning and Fossil Fuel Combustion Aerosols on Fog‐Cloud Microphysics and Chemistry: Novel Insights From Advanced Aerosol‐Fog Sampling.

Activation of biomass burning aerosols (BBA) and fossil fuel combustion aerosols (FFA) in fogs and clouds significantly impact regional air quality through aqueous chemistry and climate by affecting cloud microphysics. However, we lack direct observations of how these aerosols behave in fogs and clouds. Using a newly developed aerosol‐cloud sampling system, we conducted observations during fog events and found that BBA, despite their high organic content, effectively contributed to super‐micron interstitial aerosols and fog droplets in low supersaturation fogs. In contrast, FFA, predominantly externally mixed organic, did not grow beyond the super‐micron size in fogs due to their near‐hydrophobic nature. Measurements conducted under supersaturations relevant for cloud formation revealed that portions of FFA could serve as cloud condensation nuclei, but only when supersaturation exceeded ∼0.14%. These findings have broad implications for future investigations into the influence of BBA and FFA on fog and cloud chemistry and their interactions with clouds. Plain Language Summary: Tiny particles, known as aerosols, emitted from combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, can impact air quality and global climate by interacting with fog and clouds. However, we lack direct observational evidence of how these aerosols behave in these conditions. In our study, we developed an advanced aerosol‐cloud sampling system to observe aerosol activation during fog events. Our findings highlight a crucial factor of aerosol activation: the mixing of these aerosols. Biomass burning aerosols with an internal mixture of organic and inorganic components activate more easily, even in conditions with low supersaturation like fog. In contrast, fossil fuel combustion aerosols are often externally mixed and almost water‐repellent, requiring higher supersaturation to become cloud condensation nuclei. Understanding these distinctions has significant implications for regional air quality and the intricate interactions between aerosols and clouds. By gaining insights into how various aerosols interact with fog and clouds, we can enhance our understanding of their impact on our environment and climate. Key Points: Advanced Aerosol‐Cloud sampling system was developed to characterize aerosol activation in fogsBiomass burning aerosols efficiently form fog droplets, while fossil fuel combustion aerosols are almost hydrophobic and don't contributeFossil fuel combustion organic aerosols can serve as CCN in high supersaturation conditions (>0.14%) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]