This research applies atomic and molecular physics (spectroscopy, light scattering, and
chemical reactivity) to measurements of the Earth's atmosphere. The issues that are
addressed include:
(1) the determination of the details of the photochemistry of the
stratospheric ozone layer. This includes effects from chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and
nitrogen oxides from commercial aircraft;
(2) The composition of the lower atmosphere
(the troposphere) and its dynamics and evolution. This encompasses the issue of the
greenhouse effect and of atmospheric radiation balance in general;
(3) pollution in the
lowest part of the atmosphere, the planetary boundary layer - where we live.
Our research
over recent years has included measurements from the ground, high-altitude scientific
balloons, airplanes, and Earth satellites, as well as basic laboratory spectroscopic
measurements of the properties of atmospheric molecules.
The work emphasized at this site is from satellite-based measurements of the atmosphere,
where we have developed capabilities for making a number of key measurements of pollutants,
with the eventual goal of contributing to the ability to monitor pollution continuously and
globally from space.
We work closely with the
Atmospheric Sciences at Harvard.