Demystifying clouds
Ice particles in the earth’s atmosphere strongly affect the properties of clouds and the impact they have on climate – yet how and under what conditions these particles are formed is only partially understood. http://ec.europa.eu/
“The formation and structure of clouds can have a massive impact on climate,” says Dr Ben Murray, who is leading an ERC funded, €1.66 million five-year research project – Ice Crystallisation Experiments (ICE).
“Clouds alter the flow of energy into and out of the earth’s atmosphere; many clouds cool the planet in the day and insulate at night, but some types of cirrus can have a warming effect even in the day. They also play a role in controlling water entering the stratosphere. The stratosphere contains the protective ozone layer and water vapour affects the chemistry of this important gas.
“We can quantify how CO2 affects the climate but what’s less well known is how different particles in the atmosphere can affect how clouds are formed. Our knowledge is so sketchy that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was unable to assess the impact of atmospheric ice formation in its most recent report.
“Through the ICE research I hope the team will be able to clarify several unknowns about how and when ice forms and how this impacts cloud properties.
“The lab-based research will enable me to supply colleagues with information that will lead to improved cloud modelling and better understanding of cloud formation,” continues Dr Murray. “Part of my research will involve working with colleagues from the School of Earth and Environment, including Dr Steven Dobbie.
“Leeds is already internationally renowned for atmospheric science and this is a great opportunity to build on this and create a world centre of expertise. This collaboration will give us access to the wider climate change community and I hope it will lead to results that will, ultimately, influence global climate policy.”
For further information visit http://www.chem.leeds.ac.uk/People/Murray.html
