Research

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Atmospheric Chemistry

Atmospheric Chemistry

The atmospheric chemistry group in ATM is interested in understanding the atmospheric emissions, transport, and fate of gases and particles that influence air quality and climate. These interests are explored through laboratory studies and fieldwork. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques, ATM scientists take measurements in tropical and high-latitude oceans, in forests and urban centers, and at the critical air-sea and troposphere-stratosphere interfaces. These measurements are used in models to predict the impact of atmospheric chemistry on human health and climate.

Faculty Specialists: Cassandra Gaston, Anthony Hynes

Climate Dynamics & Prediction

Climate Dynamics & Prediction

Climate research in ATM includes numerical climate modeling at both regional and global scales, and analysis of satellite data, global data products, and observations. There is a large focus on the diagnosis and modeling of climate variability on interannual, decadal, and millennial timescales, the prediction and modeling of El Niño, and the observation and modeling of anthropogenic climate change.

Faculty Specialists: Emily Becker, Amy Clement, Ben Kirtman, Brian Soden

Cloud & Aerosol Processes

Cloud & Aerosol Processes

Scientists in ATM study aerosols, clouds, their interactions with each other, with radiation, and with the larger-scale environment. We strive for a better understanding of the cloudy boundary layer structure, its processes, and the effects of atmospheric transport of aerosols such as dust, smoke, and air pollutants, upon both air quality and climate. The Barbados Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory (BACO) takes advantage of Barbados’ unique location on the edge of the Atlantic basin to characterize marine aerosols and use and smoke after long-range transport. ATM scientists participate in fieldwork spanning the high- to low-latitudes.

Faculty Specialists: Cassandra Gaston, Brian Mapes, Paquita Zuidema

Tropical Meteorology & Hurricanes

Tropical Meteorology & Hurricanes

One broad area of research in ATM is aimed at improving our understanding and prediction of tropical weather and hurricanes.  Through a combination of field observations, modeling, and theory, faculty and students study the dynamics of hurricanes: their formation, rapid intensification, and how their behavior might change in a warming climate. Other research foci include the advancement of computer model forecasts of tropical cyclones, data assimilation schemes, and observation strategies.  Other weather phenomena in the tropics are also investigated in ATM and through the Rosenstiel School, such as monsoons, the intertropical convergence zone, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation.

Faculty Specialists: Michael Fischer, Sharan Majumdar, Brian Mapes, David Nolan, Brian Soden

helicopter observation platform

Other Research Areas

Researchers in ATM also perform research in a number of other areas including:

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