Project description
Expanding our understanding of thunderclouds and associated high-energy radiation
Understanding the processes behind atmospheric and environmental phenomena on our planet is crucial to our efforts to combat climate change, mitigate environmental damage and better monitor such phenomena. Thunderstorms have been observed to emit radiation ranging from X-rays and gamma rays to visible light and long-lasting gamma-ray glows, which are among the most energetic natural processes on our planet. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GRAIL project aims to expand our understanding of high-energy emissions from thunderclouds as well as their impact on environments, humans and technology. To achieve this, the project will combine state-of-the-art technology and research while also training early career scientists to become experts in this field.
Objective
Thunderstorms emit radiation across a spectrum from visible light to gamma rays, including terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and produce flickering gamma-ray flashes, thunderstorm ground enhancements and long-lasting gamma-ray glows which are the most energetic natural processes on Earth, with energies beyond those of radioactive decay chains as they appear in nuclear power plants. Sporadically observed since the ‘80s by aircraft and balloon platforms, by satellites, and on ground, these phenomena have been considered exotic and rare for decades. However, recent measurements have shown that high-energy emission is indeed common, pervasive and extended over huge areas, and that the phenomena are much more complex and inter-related than previously thought, posing new challenges. Despite their common nature, we are lacking fundamental knowledge about their generation and about their effects on humans, technology and the environment.
The goal of the proposed Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network is to gain a deeper understanding of high-energy emissions from thunderclouds, their relation to lightning and their effects. The consortium is built such that these phenomena are addressed through observations, numerical modelling and experiments. Additionally, we will develop new detectors suitable for future missions detecting such radiation in-situ or from space by building a consortium of international partners both academically and from industry.
Hence, the GRAIL project combines innovative research and technological aspects providing a training environment for doctoral candidates in gas discharge physics, atmospheric electricity, modelling, data analysis and technological development. GRAIL has thus been designed to train the next generation of researchers and prepare them to be lead scientists in academia focusing on atmospheric electricity, and – through the incorporation of industrial partners – in industry interested in thunderstorms and lightning.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology other engineering and technologies nuclear engineering
- natural sciences physical sciences nuclear physics nuclear decay
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01
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44227 Dortmund
Germany
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.