Our
research focuses on quantification of the effect of human activity on
atmospheric composition.
We develop computer models that are compared to
observations obtained from orbital, air-borne, balloon, and ground based
platforms. Our focus is on climate change, air quality, the carbon cycle, and stratospheric ozone depletion and
recovery. Our research is motivated by the need to quantify how
atmospheric composition is being altered by emissions of greenhouse gases
and pollutants that drive global warming and degrade the
environment.
Our group has participated
in many atmospheric chemistry field campaigns, including the NSF-sponsored
CONTRAST
campaign based in Guam during winter
2014. We are members of the NASA
Aura Science Team,
the NASA
Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 Science Team,
and we have been active investigators of data collected over Maryland
during the NASA
DISCOVER-AQ
mission as well as on-going measurements of greenhouse
gases and air quality obtained over the mid-Atlantic that is part of
FLAGG-MD and
RAMMPP
projects. Research on FLAGG-MD and RAMMPP is conducted in close
collaboration with colleagues such as
Russ Dickerson,
Tim Canty, and
Xinrong Ren.
In
the field for
CONTRAST; the NCAR GV is visible in the
reflection of the shades.
We have also
developed an empirical model of global climate. This model
tracks the influence on global temperature of GHGs, volcanic and
industrial aerosol particles, the 11 year variation in total solar
irradiance, the temporary heat exchange between the ocean and atmosphere
due to phenomena known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, the Atlantic
Meridional Overturning Circulation, as well as long-term export of
atmospheric heat to the world’s oceans (Canty
et al., ACP, 2013). Recently, we used this model to show that if all
of the pledges of the Paris Climate Agreement are followed, and if the
carbon intensity of the world’s economies can be improved such that at
least 50% of global energy can be obtained from renewables by year 2060,
climate catastrophe will likely be averted (Salawitch
et al., Springer Climate, 2017). We are now assessing the impact on
global warming forecasts of the recent U.S. withdrawal from this
agreement.
Global climate, past 500 million years. Notice the remarkable
correlation of the global mean surface temperature anomaly,
ΔT, and atmospheric CO2 preserved in the climate record. Can learn more at
http://www.parisbeaconofhope.org
We offer
exciting
research opportunities that allow students to participate in
satellite missions and field campaigns as well interact with scientists at
national laboratories such as
NASA and
NOAA. If
interested in further information, please explore our page
for prospective students page.
Contact Info:
Phone:
301 - 405
- 5396
Click below to see:
Twitter
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Completed PhDs
Salawitch
Biographical Info, this website
Salawitch
Biographical Info, Dept of Chemistry and Biochemistry website
