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Atmospheric Composition


The particles and the concentrations of the particles in the protective envelope surrounding the Earth.


The composition of the atmosphere - its gases and particles - plays a critical role in connecting human welfare with global and regional changes because the atmosphere links all of the principal components of the Earth system. The atmosphere interacts with the oceans, land, terrestrial and marine plants and animals, and the frozen regions. Because of these linkages, the atmosphere is a conduit of change. Emissions from natural sources and human activities enter the atmosphere at the surface and are transported to other geographical locations and often higher altitudes. Some emissions undergo chemical transformation or removal while in the atmosphere or interact with cloud formation and precipitation. Some natural events and human activities that change atmospheric composition also change the Earth's radiative (energy) balance. Subsequent responses to changes in atmospheric composition by the stratospheric ozone layer, the climate system, and regional chemical composition (air quality), create multiple environmental effects that can influence human health and natural systems.

Research Questions


2. What are the atmospheric sources and sinks of the greenhouse gases other than CO2 and the implications for the Earth's energy balance?





Other Research Areas