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Chemistry & Physics of Atmospheres

BIRA-IASB studies the Earth’s stratosphere by looking at ozone depletion and related key parameters like volcanic aerosols, polar stratospheric clouds and halogenated compounds. Long-term changes are evaluated and forecasting capabilities have been developed. The research supports the Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer.

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BIRA-IASB also studies Earth tropospheric chemistry, with a focus on natural and manmade emissions, like SO2 and NO2, tropospheric ozone precursors, the relationship to air quality and the evolution of greenhouse gases in support of the Kyoto Protocol. Forecasting of chemical weather is being developed.

BIRA-IASB examines the solar radiation and its penetration to the surfaces of the Earth. It monitors the long-term changes of the UV radiation. BIRA-IASB also contributes to research on planetary atmospheres, in particular Mars and Venus.

Image above: BIRA-IASB leads a limb remote sounding experiment ALTIUS on board a Belgian microsatellite.

Image on the right: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major pollutant in industrialised countries: It is emitted during combustion of fossil fuel, by traffic (cars, ships, …), biomass burning,...

High concentrations in the troposphere (red areas on the map) are observed in the eastern US, western Europe, in particular Belgium and the Netherlands, eastern Asia, and above large cities like Johannesburg. This global picture has been obtained by SCIAMACHY on board the Envisat satellite. (©KNMI/BIRA-IASB/ESA, average tropospheric NO2 concentration in October 2006)

NO2

Different aspects of the vast subject of chemistry and physics of atmospheres are dealt with in the BIRA-IASB operational divisions Atmospheric Composition, and Solar radiation in Atmospheres.

 
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