We research the composition of the atmosphere from natural and human emissions and processes.
Rapid composition and chemistry changes include pollution, smoke, dust and volcanic eruptions. These events impact human health, surface radiation and global climate but act on local and regional scales.
Slow changes to our atmosphere include the build-up of greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases in the atmosphere, which result in climate change and the stratospheric Antarctic ozone hole. Recent work has involved studying indoor air quality and its role in airborne transmission of bioaerosols. We observe the composition and biogeochemical budgets of our atmosphere using ground-based, ship, balloon and aircraft platforms and from space using remote sensing.
Our researchers are involved in the development of new technology for monitoring the atmosphere.
- Our observations and analyses are used to inform the United Nations ozone, mercury and climate assessments.
- Chemistry, climate and air quality modelling form integral links across clusters, with meteorology essential for pollution dispersion and chemical processing.
- Clouds, aerosols, greenhouse gases and radiation influence and feed back upon the climate system.
We explore these complex processes to understand better the sources and sinks of carbon, sulfur and nitrogen cycles, which interface with ocean and land surfaces and to improve future climate projections.
Contact
For enquiries, please email A/Prof Robyn Schofield - robyn.schofield@unimelb.edu.au