Project description
Anthropogenic aerosol effects on the climate
Anthropogenic aerosols influence climate by acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), increasing cloud droplet number concentration (Nd), brightening liquid clouds through the Twomey effect, and producing negative aerosol-cloud interaction radiative forcing (RFaci), which partially offsets greenhouse-gas warming. However, aerosol-cloud interactions remain one of the largest uncertainties in climate sensitivity. Recent satellite observations reveal a paradoxical decline in Nd despite increasing aerosol optical depth (AOD) over large ocean regions, challenging current understanding of CCN-cloud relationships and RFaci estimates. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DA-TRACE project aims to resolve this discrepancy by combining multi-source observations and climate modelling to identify its causes, quantify biases in current estimates, improve model representations, and deliver observation-constrained assessments of RFaci.
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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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)
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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
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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-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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04109 Leipzig
Germany
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