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Abstract
In this course we will explore how atmospheric chemical composition both drives and responds to changes in the earth system, including climate change. We will discuss recent advances and key uncertainties in our understanding of the processes that control the abundance of reactive gases and aerosols in the atmosphere and their interaction with global change.
Objective
After this course, students will be able to: • critically read and summarise recent literature in atmospheric chemistry • explain the key drivers of past and future changes in atmospheric composition • evaluate how uncertainties in relevant atmospheric chemistry processes may impact projections of future atmospheric composition • design an original research proposal
Content
This class builds on fundamental understanding of atmospheric chemistry to explore how atmospheric chemistry interacts with global change, both past and future. Lectures cover a range of topics and are complemented by literature discussions. Specific topics include: fires, land use change, biogenic organics, carbonaceous aerosol, nitrogen, sulphur, methane, dust and metals, air quality and climate, and geoengineering. The class concludes with students developing and presenting a novel research proposal based on the topics discussed in class.
Resources
Literature
IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group 1 Report “The Physical Science Basis” (available online: http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/ ). All other material will be taken from the recent literature.