Index >> Microbes and Atmosphere >> Surface Impaction

Surface Impaction
Particles make contact with surfaces such as leaves, trees, walls, etc. With impaction, there is an associated loss of kinetic energy. Impaction potential is the likelihood that an airborne object will collide with another object in the path leading to bouncing (rather than deposition). Bouncing causes the particle to re-enter the air when it can either allow gravitational settling to occur resulting in deposition or it can allow the particle to escape and enter the air current (Fig. 10.3). Impaction is influenced by velocity and size of the particle and size and shape of the surface it is approaching.