Atmosphere and Climate Programme

The research programme addresses the role played by the atmosphere within the climate system as well as those processes that have a decisive influence on climate changes, natural disasters, air quality and hence quality of life on Earth. Within this context, the behaviour of the stratosphere, troposphere and biosphere and their complex interactions in the global change process are studied. Research priorities include investigations of the hydrological cycle and the biochemical cycles of environmentally relevant trace gases and aerosols. Data from long-term aircraft and satellite measurements, ground-based stations, major simulation chambers (AIDA, SAPHIR and others) and numerical modelling (transport, climate models, etc.) form the basis for these analyses.

The numerical models are constantly advanced in order to quantify the ecological and socio-economic consequences resulting from climate changes and to acquire knowledge to inform future actions for the protection against the consequences. Particular emphasis is on the regional level. The new research aircraft HALO will contribute significantly to the success of the programme. It will commence its first missions under fundamental involvement from researchers from this research programme.