We use mass spectrometry and advanced optical techniques to probe the composition of particles in the atmosphere. The chemical content of particles provides clues to both their sources and to processes in the atmosphere. Our group uses measurements from both airborne and ground-based instruments. Some research possibilities for airborne research include the role of organics in particles throughout the atmosphere, chemical transformations in airborne dust, and the composition of ice residues. An important part of our ground-based research is to investigate how the chemical composition of aerosol particles influences ice formation, which has important connections to the aerosol indirect effect. Finally, we study the optical properties of aerosol particles in the atmosphere, especially single scatter albedo, and correlate those measurements with the chemical composition.

Reference

Murphy, DM: Journal of Geophysical Research 111: D23S32, 2006