Chemical Characterization of Biosphere Atmosphere- Interaction
- Photo: Michael Welling, MPI Chemistry
Prof. Meinrat O. Andreae (MPI Chemistry )
Prof. Thorsten Hoffmann (FB 09 Chemistry)
Prof. Jos Lelieveld (MPI Chemistry)
The exchange of gases and aerosols between the marine/terrestrial biosphere and the troposphere plays an important role in the chemistry of the atmosphere, influencing global climate and air quality. The quantitative understanding of these processes requires the development of sophisticated measurement techniques for atmospheric key components, their application in collaborative experimental studies (lab and field-based) and a suitable description and interpretation by modelling activities.
The fluxes of reactive nitrogen and carbon species, especially nitrogen oxides and volatile organic carbon compounds, must be determined in key environments, e.g., tropical and temperate forests. Reactions between these compounds control oxidation processes in the atmosphere and the production of organic aerosols. Both natural emissions and vegetation fires contribute to the aerosol burden of the atmosphere, which in turn affects global and regional climate, including precipitation. Long-term measurements at critical locations around the world are essential for understanding global change and for validating earth system models.