简介

Our research projects are aimed at understanding processes that result in formation of atmospheric aerosol particles. Aerosol particles can deteriorate air quality, reduce visibility, affect cloud formation and lifetime, and change the radiation balance of the earth. These particles may be emitted directly into the atmosphere (“primary aerosol”, such as sea-salt, dust, and soot) or formed by secondary processes such as gas to particle conversion, heterogeneous reactions, or aqueous phase reactions (“secondary aerosol”, such as sulfate, nitrate, and organic particles). Depending on the ambient conditions (e.g., relative humidity) and types of precursors and oxidants available in an area, certain processes may be more important than others for secondary aerosol formation.