Role of Jet Drops From Sub‐100 μm Bubbles in Sea Spray Aerosol Production

Abstract Jet drop production is believed to be an important contributor to submicron sea spray aerosol (SSA), although whether it is the dominant source remains uncertain. To clarify this critical issue, we approached the problem from two perspectives. First, it is found that the rupture of a sub‐100 μm bubble (diameter < 100 μm) generates only 3–4 jet drops. Second, as sub‐100 μm bubbles ascend, their size distributions would remain relatively unchanged. Based on the above results and model calculations, it is concluded that sub‐100 μm bubbles in the ocean are unlikely to be a dominant source of submicron sea spray aerosols. Moreover, the production rate of jet drops from sub‐100 μm bubbles decreases with increasing temperature, with no significant change in drop size. These findings would help elucidate the role of jet drop production in sea spay aerosols generation and material transfer through sea air interface.