Centre for Atmospheric Science

Unprecedented loss of ozone has been observed in the ozone layer over the Arctic, prompting scientists to declare an 'Arctic Ozone Hole' for the first time.

Read more...

As part of the UK SPICE project, Centre for Atmospheric Scientists will take part in the first trials in the UK for a possible system for geoengineering.

Read more...

To mark the UNEP Ozone Hole Day 2011, Dr Neil Harris, a scientist at the Centre for Atmospheric Science, provides insight into why ozone and ozone hole research is still as important as ever. 

Read more...

Both Prof John Pyle (Dept. of Chemistry) and Prof Michael McIntyre (Dept. of Applied Mathematics) have been elected fellows of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for 2011. John and Michael initiated the Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Cambridge in 1993. Read more... 

5 April 2011. A press release issued by European research scientists, including Dr Neil Harris of the European Ozone Research Coordinating Unit at the University of Cambridge, states over the past few days ozone-depleted air masses extended from the north pole to southern Scandinavia leading to higher than normal levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation during sunny days in southern Finland. These air masses will move east over the next few days, covering parts of Russia and perhaps extend as far south as the Chinese/Russian border. Such excursions of ozone-depleted air may also occur over Central Europe and could reach as far south as the Mediterranean. On an international press conference by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Vienna today, atmospheric researcher Dr. Markus Rex from Germany´s Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in the Helmholtz Association (AWI) pointed out that the current situation in the Arctic ozone layer is unparalleled. Read more...

A press release issued by European research scientists, including Dr Neil Harris of the European Ozone Research Coordinating Unit at the University of Cambridge, records that unusually low temperatures in the Arctic ozone layer have recently initiated massive ozone depletion. The Arctic appears to be heading for a record loss of this trace gas that protects the Earth’s surface against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Read more ...

A paper published by CAS scientists Peter Braesicke and John Pyle studies the possible impact of sun dimming on weather patterns associated with ENSO. The paper was published by the Wiley journal Atmospheric Science Letters. The press release is available here: http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/PressRelease/pressReleaseId-90017.html

16th Sept 2010 is the international day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer. Read more...

PhD in Tropical Tropospheric Chemistry / Climate Modelling

A PhD studentship is available at the Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of Cambridge to carry out research in tropical tropospheric chemistry / climate modelling. The studentship is funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council and is a CASE award joint with the UK Met Office. The student would be expected to spend part of their time at the UK Met Office. The project will explore the processes controlling the oxidizing capacity of the tropical troposphere. An important part of the study will be testing a range of chemical mechanisms against field data. It will also explore the impact of man-made or climate induced land-use change.

Applicants should expect to attain a first or 2.1 in a relevant discipline and be fluent in English. UK nationals are fully funded by the studentship. Applications from EU nationals are welcome but the studentship will only pay for the fees in this case and EU nationals will be required to fund their own living and maintenance costs.

Please send a current CV with a description of your research interests to Prof John Pyle FRS (John.Pyle@atm.ch.cam.ac.uk) along with the names and contact details of 2 referees. Interested candidates can also contact Prof. Pyle for further information. Further information about the Centre for Atmospheric Science is available on our website: http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/.

The Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of Cambridge, is hosting a symposium on:

"The Antarctic Ozone Hole: Then and Now"

10.30am - 6pm, Friday 7th May, 2010

Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW

The discovery of the Antarctic Ozone Hole led to intensive research to find out why such large ozone losses were occurring in a region which was previously thought to be chemically inactive. This research involved both atmospheric chemistry and meteorology and so it is entirely fitting that the royal societies of the two disciplines are supporting this workshop. The finding also led to the Montreal Protocol which limited ozone-depleting gases and so to close involvement of atmospheric scientists with the chemical industry and the political process. Thus, while the focus is on the atmospheric science, talks will cover the industrial and political developments. The presentations will be given by leading international speakers and will cover the scientific and political importance of the discovery of the Antarctic Ozone Hole, as well as the latest developments.

Speakers include

Paul Crutzen, Nobel Prize winner
David Fahey, NOAA
Michael McIntyre, University of Cambridge
Jean-Pierre Pommereau, CNRS
John Pyle, UNEP/WMO co-chair & University of Cambridge
Jonathan Shanklin, BAS
Keith Shine, University of Reading
Susan Solomon, NOAA, former chair IPCC WG1

Space will be limited, so if you wish to attend this symposium please register at

http://www.ozone-sec.ch.cam.ac.uk/o3_anniversary/o3_form.html

Registration is also necessary to receive more detailed information.

Ozone Symposium flyer