Aerosol Coupling in the Earth System (ACES)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
Abstract
The emission of trace materials into the atmosphere can have a variety of influences on the environment, ranging from immediate health impacts in the locality of the release to global effects on atmospheric composition and climate. Organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons, are emitted in large quantities from both natural and human-influenced sources, and contribute to many of the well-publicised environmental phenomena, for example, photochemical smog and global climate change. It is estimated that about 2 billion tonnes of organic material are emitted into the atmosphere each year. Natural sources include emissions from vegetation (e.g., forests), and such sources dominate when total global emissions are considered. Human-influenced emissions result from many sources, in particular road transport, distribution of petrol and other fuels, solvent usage and some industrial processes. In populated regions, such sources usually represent the major input of organic material into the atmosphere. Some emitted organic compounds are known to be directly detrimental to human health, for example as carcinogens. However, a much wider impact results from the chemical processing of organic material in the atmosphere, which leads to the generation of a variety of products, sometimes known as 'secondary pollutants'. One by-product of these oxidation processes is the generation of involatile or highly soluble organic oxidation products which can contribute to the mass of airborne particles or 'aerosols'. Aerosols in the atmosphere have an important influence on visibility and climate, through the scattering and absorption of light and UV radiation, and can also have direct health implications because fine particles can be inhaled into the lung. The proposed work aims (i) to improve our understanding of the fundamental processes involved in the formation of aerosols from the chemical processing of natural hydrocarbons emitted from forested regions of the world: (ii) to assess the impact of those aerosols on atmospheric composition, climate and rainfall: and (iii) to assess the impact of changes in land use on the above processes and impacts. This will be achieved using a combination of experimental studies in laboratory chambers, observational studies in a tropical forested region, and assessment studies using numerical models of the atmosphere.
Organisations
- University of Manchester (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Wuppertal (Collaboration)
- University of Copenhagen (Collaboration)
- University of Paris XII: Paris-Val-de-Marne (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER (Collaboration)
- SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut AB (Collaboration)
- Lancaster University (Collaboration)
- Paul Scherrer Institute (Collaboration)
- Centre for Environmental Studies of the Mediterranean (Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo) (Collaboration)
- UK CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY (Collaboration)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich (Collaboration)
- Atmospheric Chemistry Services (Collaboration)
- University of Bayreuth (Collaboration)
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Collaboration)
- National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS) (Collaboration)
- University College Cork (Collaboration)
- Leibniz Association (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF YORK (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS (Collaboration)
Publications
Whitehead J
(2014)
A meta-analysis of particle water uptake reconciliation studies
in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Whitehead J
(2014)
A meta-analysis of particle water uptake reconciliation studies
Whitehead J
(2010)
Aerosol fluxes and dynamics within and above a tropical rainforest in South-East Asia
in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Archibald A
(2010)
An isoprene mechanism intercomparison
in Atmospheric Environment
Özel M
(2010)
Analysis of Organic Nitrogen Compounds in Urban Aerosol Samples Using GCxGC-TOF/MS
in Aerosol Science and Technology
Topping D
(2013)
Cloud droplet number enhanced by co-condensation of organic vapours
in Nature Geoscience
Stanley W
(2011)
Continuous bioaerosol monitoring in a tropical environment using a UV fluorescence particle spectrometer
in Atmospheric Science Letters
Hewitt C
(2010)
Corrigendum to "Overview: oxidant and particle photochemical processes above a south-east Asian tropical rainforest (the OP3 project): introduction, rationale, location characteristics and tools" published in Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 169-199, 2010
in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Jenkin M
(2012)
Development and chamber evaluation of the MCM v3.2 degradation scheme for ß-caryophyllene
in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Misztal P
(2011)
Direct ecosystem fluxes of volatile organic compounds from oil palms in South-East Asia
in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Description | The ACES consortium project in the APPRAISE aerosols programme was an integrated research programme aiming to reduce uncertainties in our fundamental understanding of the formation of BSOA and the subsequent impact on atmospheric composition, through coordinated chamber studies, field studies, process model development, and application of atmospheric models of chemistry and transport to assess coupling and feedbacks in the Earth system. Work undertaken in the ACES project focussed on a single but important biome, that of tropical forests and was closely linked to the OP3 project focussing on the Bornean tropical forest. A wide range of findings related to the formation of secondary particles from biogenic emissions led to a large number of publications. |
Exploitation Route | The findings have already led onto further programmes such as the ACID-PRUF aerosols and clouds programme and the findings have found their way into Earth System descriptions in a range of models. The findings from the tropical forest in Borneo provided a springboard for several fruitful collaborative activities in Amazonia (including the SAMBBA large grant investigating biomass burning, the BUNIAACIC IOF collaboration and a Royal Society Newton Fellowship for Henrique Barbosa from USP in Brazil). |
Sectors | Environment |
URL | http://www.cas.manchester.ac.uk/resprojects/aces/ |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | Centre for Environmental Studies of the Mediterranean (Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo) |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | Julich Research Centre |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | Leibniz Association |
Department | Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS) |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | Paul Scherrer Institute |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut AB |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | University College Cork |
Country | Ireland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | University of Bayreuth |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | University of Copenhagen |
Country | Denmark |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | University of Paris XII: Paris-Val-de-Marne |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | European network for studying atmospheric processes in simulation chambers |
Organisation | University of Wuppertal |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Operation of the Manchester photochemical chamber facility and participation in joint experimental programme in the European network. Leading the development of modelling capability in support of the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Integration of a wide range of atmospheric simulation chamber facilities, hosting a joint database for experimental results, coordinating scientific goals and infrastructural support activities and serving as a focus for delivery of large-scale International collaborations in atmospheric science. |
Impact | Very many peer-reviewed outputs facilitated by being part of the chamber network. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | National collaboration to investigate coupled aerosol processes in the atmosphere (funded under the NERC APPRAISE ACES consortium) |
Organisation | Atmospheric Chemistry Services |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Lead partner in a consortium involving field experiments in Borneo, chamber experiments, atmospheric chemical mechanism development and large-scale modelling of atmospheric impacts |
Collaborator Contribution | Fullfillment of scientific objectives of the consortium |
Impact | Many peer-reviewed publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | National collaboration to investigate coupled aerosol processes in the atmosphere (funded under the NERC APPRAISE ACES consortium) |
Organisation | Lancaster University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Lead partner in a consortium involving field experiments in Borneo, chamber experiments, atmospheric chemical mechanism development and large-scale modelling of atmospheric impacts |
Collaborator Contribution | Fullfillment of scientific objectives of the consortium |
Impact | Many peer-reviewed publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | National collaboration to investigate coupled aerosol processes in the atmosphere (funded under the NERC APPRAISE ACES consortium) |
Organisation | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Lead partner in a consortium involving field experiments in Borneo, chamber experiments, atmospheric chemical mechanism development and large-scale modelling of atmospheric impacts |
Collaborator Contribution | Fullfillment of scientific objectives of the consortium |
Impact | Many peer-reviewed publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | National collaboration to investigate coupled aerosol processes in the atmosphere (funded under the NERC APPRAISE ACES consortium) |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Lead partner in a consortium involving field experiments in Borneo, chamber experiments, atmospheric chemical mechanism development and large-scale modelling of atmospheric impacts |
Collaborator Contribution | Fullfillment of scientific objectives of the consortium |
Impact | Many peer-reviewed publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | National collaboration to investigate coupled aerosol processes in the atmosphere (funded under the NERC APPRAISE ACES consortium) |
Organisation | University of Leicester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Lead partner in a consortium involving field experiments in Borneo, chamber experiments, atmospheric chemical mechanism development and large-scale modelling of atmospheric impacts |
Collaborator Contribution | Fullfillment of scientific objectives of the consortium |
Impact | Many peer-reviewed publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | National collaboration to investigate coupled aerosol processes in the atmosphere (funded under the NERC APPRAISE ACES consortium) |
Organisation | University of York |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Lead partner in a consortium involving field experiments in Borneo, chamber experiments, atmospheric chemical mechanism development and large-scale modelling of atmospheric impacts |
Collaborator Contribution | Fullfillment of scientific objectives of the consortium |
Impact | Many peer-reviewed publications |
Start Year | 2007 |