Atmospheric Environment Division
Outline of Research ( pamphlet )
The five research groups of the Atmospheric Environment Division conduct fundamental research on the atmosphere ranging from global, transboundary issues to localized, urban pollution in collaboration with the Center for Global Environmental Research, the Asian Environment Research Group, and other research divisions at NIES.
Research on Physical and Chemical Processes in the Atmosphere
The Atmospheric Environment Division studies the effects on clouds and the atmosphere of aerosols (fine particles in the atmosphere), the production and fate of pollutants in the atmosphere, and the diffusion and transport of atmospheric pollutants. We do research on the physical and chemical aspects of problems in the atmospheric environment, such as long-term changes in the global climate system and changes in the stratospheric ozone layer, using a variety of techniques including wind tunnel and wind photochemical chamber experiments, analysis of observational data, and numerical model experiments.
http://www.nies.go.jp/escience/ozone/index.html
Observing the Atmospheric Environment
The Atmospheric Environment Division conducts wide-area observation and analysis of the atmospheric environment using remote sensing techniques such as infrared spectroscopic observations from satellites and ground-based observations with laser radars. In particular, we are expanding the lidar observation network throughout the Asian region and working on research that will clarify the three-dimensional dynamic state of air-polluting aerosols and dust/sandstorms and their impact on climate. From the observation of chemicals, we can come to an understanding of the current state of transboundary pollution such as acid deposition (acid rain) and acid mist.
http://www-cfors.nies.go.jp/%7Ecfors/index-j.html
Research on Biogeochemical Cycles of Greenhouse Gases
We conduct research on quantitative assessments of long-term changes and short-term variations in greenhouse gases from the perspective of biogeochemical cycles. For example, we simultaneously monitor temporal changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations at our ground-based monitoring stations. We are able to estimate the carbon dioxide uptakes by oceans and terrestrial biospheres from the rate of increase in carbon dioxide and the rate of decrease in oxygen concentrations.
http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/gem/warm/Ground/hs.html
