Atmospheric aerosol formation and composition in the present and in the past.
Research Area
I am interested in studying atmospheric chemical processes that leads to aerosol formation as well as modification of aerosol properties that are relevant for their climate impact (optical and hygroscopic properties). I am also interested in determining the past composition of the Earth’s atmosphere and how that is related to land use changes.
My research includes formation of atmospheric aerosols under controlled laboratory conditions that simulate the real atmosphere (using “smog chamber” facilities), measurements of the chemical composition of both ambient and laboratory produced aerosols using a range of high-resolution and high-sensitivity mass spectrometry techniques, as well as measurements of optical and hygroscopic properties together with the ability of aerosols to act as cloud condensation nuclei.
Additionally, I have a collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey for developing new proxies for past climate reconstruction using organic compounds in ice cores from the polar regions and mountain glaciers. We are particularly interested in organic compounds emitted by the marine and terrestrial biospheres for which we combine laboratory measurements in ice cores with atmospheric chemistry modelling to link their past changes with changes in land use and atmospheric composition.
Project Interests
Marine ecosystems significantly influence the global climate by emitting volatile compounds and aerosols that affect greenhouse gas lifetimes, solar radiation, and cloud formation. In the Benguela upwelling system off the coast of Namibia, nutrient-rich waters lead to frequent phytoplankton blooms and strong emissions of dimethyl sulphide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). I am interested in assessing what the role of VOC emissions is on new particle formation and growth, and how marine VOC emissions can contribute to aerosol ageing, including mineral dusts being transported from the Namib desert, and determining the optical and hygroscopic properties of newly formed and aged particles.
