Formation and Loss of Atmospheric Radicals
Name of applicant
Freja F. Østerstrøm
Amount
DKK 425,000
Year
2017
Type of grant
Internationalisation Fellowships
What?
The aim of this project is to study the mechanisms of formation and loss of atmospheric radicals. Radicals are short-lived intermediate species that form in the degradation of compounds in the atmosphere. They can lead to the formation of particles in the atmosphere (aerosols) that affect both human health and the climate. Radicals drives most of the chemistry of the atmosphere and are therefore central to understand in order to understand the atmosphere. Radical chemistry can be investigated both theoretically and experimentally. However, combining the two methods will strengthen the analysis, since theoretical methods can used to predict the experiments, but also the experimental results can be used to correct the theory. In this project both approaches will be used.
Why?
Atmospheric radicals are important drivers in the reactions taking place in the atmosphere. Therefore, they influence all aspects of atmospheric chemistry and are crucial in the formation of atmospheric particles (aerosols) and gaseous pollutants. Since radicals are short-lived, they are difficult to measure and analyse, so methods are being developed to detect the radicals directly. Understanding the formation and loss processes of radicals enables us to gain a better knowledge of the processes that occur in the atmosphere. This will in turn make it possible to update and correct the chemistry input into the current models used for predictions of the atmospheric conditions of the future, crucial to modelling and predicting changes in climate and air pollution events.
How?
Atmospheric radicals are important drivers in the reactions taking place in the atmosphere. Therefore, they influence all aspects of atmospheric chemistry and are crucial in the formation of atmospheric particles (aerosols) and gaseous pollutants. Since radicals are short-lived, they are difficult to measure and analyse, so methods are being developed to detect the radicals directly. Understanding the formation and loss processes of radicals enables us to gain a better knowledge of the processes that occur in the atmosphere. This will in turn make it possible to update and correct the chemistry input into the current models used for predictions of the atmospheric conditions of the future, crucial to modelling and predicting changes in climate and air pollution events.