Objective Atmospheric aerosol particles are a major player in the earth system: they impact the climate by scattering and absorbing solar radiation, as well as regulating the properties of clouds. On regional scales aerosol particles are among the main pollutants deteriorating air quality. Capturing the impact of aerosols is one of the main challenges in understanding the driving forces behind changing climate and air quality.Atmospheric aerosol numbers are governed by the ultrafine (< 100 nm in diameter) particles. Most of these particles have been formed from atmospheric vapours, and their fate and impacts are governed by the mass transport processes between the gas and particulate phases. These transport processes are currently poorly understood. Correct representation of the aerosol growth/shrinkage by condensation/evaporation of atmospheric vapours is thus a prerequisite for capturing the evolution and impacts of aerosols.I propose to start a research group that will address the major current unknowns in atmospheric ultrafine particle growth and evaporation. First, we will develop a unified theoretical framework to describe the mass accommodation processes at aerosol surfaces, aiming to resolve the current ambiguity with respect to the uptake of atmospheric vapours by aerosols. Second, we will study the condensational properties of selected organic compounds and their mixtures. Organic compounds are known to contribute significantly to atmospheric aerosol growth, but the properties that govern their condensation, such as saturation vapour pressures and activities, are largely unknown. Third, we aim to resolve the gas and particulate phase processes that govern the growth of realistic atmospheric aerosol. Fourth, we will parameterize ultrafine aerosol growth, implement the parameterizations to chemical transport models, and quantify the impact of these condensation and evaporation processes on global and regional aerosol budgets. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistrynatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesmeteorologysolar radiationengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringair pollution engineering Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE10 - ERC Starting Grant - Earth system science Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Coordinator STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET Address Universitetsvagen 10 10691 Stockholm Sweden See on map Region Östra Sverige Stockholm Stockholms län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Ilona Anniina Riipinen (Prof.) Administrative Contact Ulla Jungmarker (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET Sweden EU contribution € 1 498 099,00 Address Universitetsvagen 10 10691 Stockholm See on map Region Östra Sverige Stockholm Stockholms län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Ilona Anniina Riipinen (Prof.) Administrative Contact Ulla Jungmarker (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Other funding No data
