University of Helsinki
Our final colloquium of 2018 will take place on 14th December. Our speaker is physicist and atmospheric scientist Professor Ilona Riipinen from Stockholm University. Her work focuses on understanding the atmospheric processes governing air quality and global climate. She studies various aspects of the atmosphere, in particular mass transfer processes at atmospheric gas-liquid interfaces, focusing on the sources, processing and sinks of ultrafine (less than 100 nm in diameter) aerosol particles. To pin down the effects of aerosols on climate and air quality, the processes governing their concentrations and interactions with clouds need to be understood and represented accurately in large-scale models. The methodologies used range from molecular level simulations to global Earth system modelling.
In her talk, titled How clouds clean the air and influence the climate – and why should you care?, she will tell us a bit about this interesting, and very important work. Here is her abstract:
Clouds are an important component of the Earth’s energy budget. Besides emissions of greenhouse gases, human activities influence the climate through the impacts anthropogenic aerosol particles have on clouds. Understanding the role of aerosols and clouds in the climate system is central for understanding climate sensitivity – i.e. the response of the climate system to different pollutants – and hence designing the actions required for meeting the Paris agreement. In my presentation, I will discuss the future of the Earth’s climate, the role of aerosols and clouds in it, and how it links to the choices we make in our everyday lives.
After the 30 minute talk, there will be a cocktail reception. Welcome!