Collaborative Research
The Institute conducts field, laboratory, and modeling investigations of the impact of aerosols on climate. Specifically, researchers in atmospheric sciences and fundamental physical sciences work together to better understand aerosol formation and reaction processes. Preliminary examples of collaborative work are expected to include the following:
- Gain a better understanding of how aerosols and uptake gases react at the molecular scale, using molecular dynamics simulations. Apply PNNL models that predict how single aerosol particles should react in the atmosphere, and test those predictions against observational data.
- Develop new instruments to better understand the impact of aerosols on climate through direct and indirect forcing. This includes coupled optical property and cloud condensation nuclei measurements, as well as new online measurements of organic species in aerosols.
- Establish an observatory on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier in California for atmosphere-ocean studies. This observatory will improve understanding of the impact of the ocean on climate and vice versa. This observatory, combined with on-ship measurements, will make and integrate long-term measurements of key gases, particles, and ocean parameters.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier will be the site of a new observatory for atmosphere-ocean studies related to climate change.