Summer School 2019

A collective course with the University of Cologne and the University of Wuppertal from September 23^th to September 28^nd 2019 (full-time) with an optional extension to September 28^th will take place at the Institute of Energy and Climate Research at the Forschungszentrum Jülich.

The atmosphere is a key component of the biosphere. Atmospheric physics is in the focus of scientific research for a long time, with weather forecasts as one of the most striking examples. In contrast, atmospheric chemistry has attracted major attention only since the last three decades. It has been recognized that reactions of trace gases in the Earth's atmosphere are a necessary precondition for a resilient and sustainable development of life on Earth. Chemical processes transform emitted organic and inorganic compounds, which enter the atmosphere by anthropogenic or biogenic activities, into water soluble compounds. Wet and dry deposition remove part of the pollutants from the atmosphere.

Human activities, especially beginning with the industrial revolution, led to a substantial increase of emissions, which have already degraded the natural chemical state of the atmosphere. Summer smog and polar ozone hole are phenomena, which demonstrate harmful impacts of anthropogenic activities. Signs of anthropogenic climate change are unambiguous.

The objective of the course is to provide an introduction to the basics of atmospheric chemistry and dynamics. Students will be enabled to gain a qualitative and quantitative understanding for physical and chemical processes, which control the state of the atmosphere. Terms like greenhouse effect or radiative forcing will be explained from the physics point of view. An optional extension allows to learn about the usage of simulation chambers for atmospheric research.

Lecturers:

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