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AEROTROP
Impact of Aircraft Emissions on the heteROgeneous chemistry of the
TROPopoause region |
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Cirrus clouds can alter the chemical composition of the tropopause region at altitudes between 8 and 18 km. Uptake and heterogeneous processing of trace gases such as reactive nitrogen (NOy) and chlorine (Cly) species can perturb the ozone budget of the tropopause region with consequences for global climate.
Aircraft operating at cruise altitudes are the only direct anthropogenic emission sources in the tropopause region. Aircraft emissions contribute with 2-8% to global warming. Whereas aircraft carbon dioxide emissions have a direct warming effect on climate, nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute also indirectely to climate change. In cloud-free air, aircraft NOx emissions produce enhanced ozone but reduce methane concentrations in the tropopause region. In humid air, NOx emissions from aircraft are processed on cold aerosol, contrails and cirrus clouds, hence altering the ozone budget of the tropopause region.
The aim of the Junior Research Group AEROTROP is to study heterogeneous chemistry on atmospheric particles with a specific focus on aircraft emissions in a wholistic approach combining aircraft measurements, satellite data and global modeling. To this end, an Falcon campaign with participants from universities (Mainz, Heidelberg, Wuppertal, Clermont-Ferrand), research centers (DLR, FZJ) and the MPG (MPCH, MPI-K) has recently been organized by the Junior research group (CONCERT - CONtrail and Cirrus ExpeRimenT - see CONCERT homepage). Results will contribute to the discussion on climate change and environmental compatible air traffic.
The Junior Research Group is a 5 years project funded by the Helmholtz association (HGF), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the university of Mainz, and the Max-Planck-Society (MPG). The team consists of 5 members working at DLR, MPI-C and University of Mainz.
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