Research


The work of our group focuses on understanding the processes controlling atmospheric composition and how they interact with climate.

Stratospheric Ozone

We study the depletion and recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer. As well as researching the fundamental processes which control stratospheric ozone, we use our models to inform policy makers of the impact of actions taken under the Montreal Protocol (see figure).

 

Air Quality

We use state-of-the art satellite observations of chemistry and aerosols in the lowest few km of the atmosphere to study air quality. The satellites give a large-scale view of air quality (see image) which complements observations made at the surface.

Chemistry-Climate Interactions

The two-way coupling between changes in climate and composition are important for many reasons. Changes in atmospheric composition will affect climate, and changes in climate will also feedback on, for example, atmospheric chemistry. We use models and observations to derive the magnitude and distribution of surface fluxes for greenhouse gases such as methane. Alot of our work also relates to ozone chemistry-climate interactions in the stratosphere.

 

Upper Atmosphere

Metal layers layers in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) are produced by ablating meteors. We use them as tracers to test model chemistry and transport in this region. The image shows ACE-FTS satellite observations of enhanced N2O in the MLT and our calculations with a new parameterisation for this source in a climate model.