Accurate information on the progress of climate change

Aerosol particles are airborne solid or liquid particles that are created by, for example, industrial or traffic emissions, desert sandstorms, and the biosphere. It is known that the particles contribute to the progress of climate change.  

“Aerosol particles reflect solar radiation back to space by, for example, cloud formation while simultaneously cooling the atmosphere and thereby slowing down climate change. In order to determine the mechanism involved, we need comprehensive knowledge about the formation and dynamics of aerosol particles and cloud droplets,” says Academy Professor Markku Kulmala, the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change.  

The Centre focuses on studying how biological, chemical and physical processes and the biogeochemical cycle affect aerosol particles and air trace gases such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Additionally, the Centre studies the effects of particles and trace gases on these processes.  

“We study, for example, how particles are formed and grow. We start from the molecular level and end up with predictions on a worldwide scale,” explains Kulmala.

The research by the Kulmala-led Centre is unique in its extensiveness. A particular strength of the Finns is the co-operation between three institutes: in addition to the University of Helsinki, research is being done in the University of Kuopio and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

“The Centre engages both in experimental and theoretical research, with continuous measurements at the field stations and measuring campaigns all over the world providing the basis for the research. We also develop and construct new measuring equipment in co-operation with certain companies. The aim is to reduce the scientific uncertainty surrounding climate change. This subject has created disparate views on the decision making pertaining to climate change.

The Finnish Centre of Excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change, University of Helsinki, University of Kuopio, Finnish Meteorological Institute.

Centre of Excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change

Text: Arja-Leena Paavola
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro
Translation: Valtasana Oy