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Droplet–Aerosol Trends discRepancy to constrain satellite-based Aerosol–Cloud interactions Estimates

Objective

Anthropogenic aerosols strongly affect Earth’s climate by acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), increasing cloud droplet number concentration (Nd), brightening liquid clouds (Twomey effect), and producing substantial negative radiative forcing (RFaci), thereby suppressing global warming. However, the Twomey effect remains one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate sensitivity, limiting reliable projections for mitigation and adaptation. Alarmingly, recent satellite records reveal a paradox: over the past two decades, Nd declined over large ocean regions while AOD rose, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, challenging our understanding of CCN–cloud links and RFaci estimates. Previous studies mainly relied on limited datasets or proxies, without systematic validation, causal attribution, or quantification of climatic implications. DA-TRACE aims to resolve this by identifying and explaining the droplet–aerosol trends discrepancy, improving model representation, quantifying bias from ignoring the discrepancy, and delivering an observation-constrained RFaci. Methodologically, I will integrate multi-source observations to validate and attribute the discrepancy via a source–sink analysis. A European climate model will be improved with new parameterizations and sensitivity experiments will quantify biases, ultimately providing an observation-constrained benchmark. By combining observations and global modeling, the project will generate robust, policy-relevant knowledge to reduce climate projection uncertainty. Leipzig University and Prof. Johannes Quaas, a world-leading authority in aerosol–cloud interactions, offer the ideal environment with access to models, datasets, and expert mentorship. The fellowship will equip me with advanced technical, interdisciplinary, and collaborative skills, positioning me to become an independent leader in aerosol–cloud–climate research and to contribute decisively to reducing uncertainty in climate projections.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAET LEIPZIG
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 202 125,12
Address
RITTERSTRASSE 26
04109 Leipzig
Germany

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Region
Sachsen Leipzig Leipzig
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data