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ePaper created 2014-12-22, 09:34:33 | version 1.34.00
Energy I Earth and Environment I Health I Aeronautics, Space and Transport I Key Technologies I Structure of Matter 23 atmosphere within the climate system, the variability of biogenic emissions and the use of atmospheric water isotopes for a better understanding of the water cycle. Terrestrial Environment The goal of this programme is to preserve the natural foundations of human life and health. It is concerned with the effects of global and climate change on terrestrial environmental systems and formulates strategies for managing sustainable social and economic development. Research ranges from the micro to the global level, often emphasising selected regions and landscapes. It is here that environmental problems become directly visible and management options can be identified. Topics include land use, biodiversity, ecosystem services, plant growth, water resource management, the assessment and reduction of risks associated with chemicals in the environment, as well as observation platforms and integrated modelling. SHIPPING EMISSIONS ON THE NORTH SEA Ships release large quantities of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and aerosol particles. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, researchers led by Volker Matthias are using a chemistry transport model to investi- gate the effects of shipping emissions on air quality in the North Sea area. They have calculated current emissions on the basis of ship movement data. Their simulations show that ships make a significant contribution to the concentration of pollutants at the coast and far inland. By 2030, nitrogen oxides emitted by ships could increase by 25 per cent. HOW PRODUCTIVE ARE DEEP-SEA ORE FACTORIES? Hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean, also called black smokers, are fascinating geological formations. They are home to unique ecosystems and have the potential to supply raw materials in the future. They are driven by volcanic “power plants” in the ocean floor and release an enor- mous amount of energy. With the help of com puter simulations, GEOMAR researchers have now succeeded in understanding the under- ground supply routes leading to black smokers. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research (HZG) The combustion of fuel oil on ships produces toxic emissions. Image: iStockphoto CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS THE ALLERGENIC POTENTIAL OF POLLEN Ragweed is a plant species whose pollen can cause particularly severe allergic reactions and asthma. Scientists from the Helmholtz Zentrum München are studying how climate change affects the allergenicity of plants. They have already found elevated stress levels in plants exposed to increased amounts of ozone, which may result in more aggressive pollen, even if the number and size of pollen grains remain the same. The researchers also intend to take a closer look at the effects of drought as well as the influences of higher levels of CO2, NO2, particulate matter and UV-B radiation. Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health Ragweed is the bane of allergy sufferers. Image: U. Frank/ Helmholtz Zentrum München Simulation of the supply routes to hydrothermal vents on mid-ocean ridges. The arrows indicate the di- rection in which the tectonic plates are moving. Image: J. Hasenclever/GEOMAR