What part do tiny solid particals in the atmosphere play in cloud formation

Tiny solid particles in the atmosphere, often referred to as aerosols or cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), play an essential role in cloud formation. These particles can be composed of various substances, including dust, pollen, soot, and sea salt, and they provide the necessary surfaces onto which water vapor can condense. The process of cloud formation typically involves the following steps:

1. Air containing water vapor rises and cools due to elevation or weather patterns.

2. As the air cools, the relative humidity increases because cooler air can hold less water vapor than warmer air.

3. Once the relative humidity reaches 100%, the air is saturated, and the excess water vapor begins to condense onto available surfaces.

4.The tiny solid particles, or CCNs, present in the atmosphere provide those surfaces, allowing water vapor to condense into tiny liquid water droplets