Land-atmosphere exchange and atmospheric organic chemistry

A central aim of our research is to understand how land-atmosphere interactions affect the chemical properties of the atmosphere. The terrestrial biosphere is a major source of reactive trace gases and particles to the global atmosphere; these species then interact in complex ways with anthropogenic pollutants. Organic compounds play a key role in this regard in terms of tropospheric ozone, organic aerosol, and oxidant chemistry. We use the GEOS-Chem global model in combination with atmospheric observations to study the sources and biogeochemical cycling of atmospheric organic carbon.

Top-down constraints on regional sources of reactive organics and greenhouse gases: Tall tower measurements and Lagrangian modeling

We are measuring a suite of key atmospheric gases at the University of Minnesota tall tower Trace Gas Observatory (TGO). This unique set of measurements provides a landscape-to-regional scale footprint to understand reactive chemical and greenhouse gas emissions from the Upper Midwest. We use a Lagrangian model to interpret these data quantitatively in terms of constraints on regional source and sink processes. Funding: NSF Atmospheric Chemistry; USDA Air Quality; Univ. of Minnesota Grant-in-Aid.

Remote sensing of atmospheric composition and air quality

We are using new satellite measurements of atmospheric composition to study surface emissions of important atmospheric organic compounds, and to better understand the chemical processes leading to air pollution. In collaboration with Prof. Julian Marshall we are also applying space-borne measurements to examine how different urban design strategies can affect air quality. Funding: NSF Environmental Sustainability; Univ. of Minnesota.