Our research goal is to explain the atmospheric chemistry and transport of trace species in the lower atmosphere, with a view to provide critical understandings which inform decisions on air quality and alterations in climate.
We pursue this goal through convergent theoretical studies combining simulation and modern data analysis satellite and aircraft data. NASA’s technological advances provide a cornucopia of information which still awaits imaginative interpretation.
We understand satellite observations including the EOS instruments OMI (ozone, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and absorbing particles), MOPITT and AIRS (carbon monoxide), and MODIS/MISR for aerosol and source-characterization studies (e.g., biomass burning). Statistical analysis and the use of modern meteorological tools such as the NCAR Community Atmospheric Model and the NILU FLEXPART trajectory programs have proven useful in our current work.
Over the years, we have worked with various institutions to produce the original and seminal publications on these topics: empirical characterization of tropospheric ozone, original recognition of isoprene as natural emission with major effects on tropospheric chemistry, chemical/meteorological interactions that promote extraordinary ozone production (“Mix and Cook”), empirical quantification of boundary layer and cloud lofting processes, lofting-betted transport of nearly undiluted pollution to 20,000 km around the globe, and super-ozone buildups due to lofted burning emissions. Current work focuses on a technique pinpointing local production of smog ozone and the requirements.
Uniquely, we are proposing scientific specifications of a novel, extremely robust satellite instrument truly capable of measuring smog ozone and associated species. Our recent NASA Science Team involvements include the Aura (Ozone Measuring Instrument) Validation Science Team, the Inter-Continental Transport Experiment (INTEX) science teams, and an Earth Observing System Interdisciplinary Science Team. Additionally, we have research support from the American Chemistry Council and the Environmental Protection Agency for studies on long-range pollution effects and use of satellite data to improve regional ozone assessments.
The prospective post-Doctoral candidate will be involved incalibration, deployment, and analysis of data from this instrument. He/she will work with our collaborators to study the direct and indirect effects of aerosol on climate and air quality using CRD, photoacoustic, incandescence, and filter-based methods.