Biosphere-Atmosphere Exchange

The exchange of mass and energy between the biosphere and atmosphere is one of CCRC’s major research foci. One component of this is measurement of the exchange of radiatively and photochemically important trace gases between the terrestrial and marine environments and the atmosphere. Changes in the magnitude and distribution of the sinks and sources of greenhouse gases (i.e. carbon dioxide and methane) and aerosols have a direct impact on the Earth’s climate. Shorter-lived trace gases (ozone, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, halocarbons, oxygenated VOCs and sulfur species) and aerosols have a direct impact on regional air quality, terrestrial and marine ecosystems and human health and can affect the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere. Our measurements take the form of long-term monitoring of trace gases and aerosols in the atmosphere at a variety of sites and the flux of these compounds in important ecosystems. We also lead and participate in many focused field campaigns in unique environments to determine sinks and sources of specific compounds.

We also seek to determine the role of climate in the exchange of gases and aerosols in terrestrial and marine environments by data analysis in combination with regional models of the chemistry and physics of the atmosphere and biosphere. We extend this work to future climate scenarios to determine the effect of increased temperature and CO₂ on this exchange. Please check out the links below to explore in detail our current research efforts on biosphere-atmosphere exchange.