Studies of the chemistry and dynamics of the upper troposphere and stratosphere

该研究项目旨在提高对流层上层和平流层的认识。这个位于6到60公里之间的大气区域对维持地球上的生命起着至关重要的作用。它拥有臭氧层，保护地球表面免受危险的紫外线太阳辐射；它控制着对流层臭氧预算的很大一部分，进而控制着空气质量；它在气候中起着重要作用；并影响着日常的天气。我们的方法是在我们的研究中整合这些过程的不同性质（动力，化学和辐射），并发展其对社会关注的不同应用科学（空气质量，气候和天气预报）。我们的研究基于两个核心数值模式的使用和发展，IGCM-FASTOC和GEM，一个适合长期全球调查的低分辨率气候化学模式，以及加拿大环境部的天气预报模式，适用于更详细的高分辨率研究。它还涉及使用卫星和气球探空仪观测数据。本研究计划在前人研究成果的基础上，提出了四个研究方向：平流层富气向对流层的输送及其对对流层臭氧收支和空气质量的影响；平流层的数值模拟，特别是包括太阳变率的影响；当前卫星平流层化学观测通过资料同化改进平流层风预报的能力，从而改进对流层天气预报的能力；以及平流层化学的分辨率依赖性的基本方面。本项目拟每年招收3名博士生和1名本科生参与本研究，并为他们提供有关大气科学中一些最具挑战性课题的全面培训。

This research program proposes to enhance knowledge on the upper-troposphere and the stratosphere. This atmospheric region located between about 6 and 60km plays roles that are essential for sustaining life on Earth. It hosts the ozone layer, protecting the Earth surface from the dangerous ultra-violet solar radiation; it controls a significant part of the tropospheric ozone budget, and in turn, of air quality; it plays an important role in climate; and influences the day-to-day weather. Our approach is to integrate in our research the different natures of these processes (dynamical, chemical and radiative), and to develop the science of its different applications of concern to society (air quality, climate and weather forecasting). Our research is based on the use and development of two core numerical models, the IGCM-FASTOC and the GEM, a low resolution climate-chemistry model adapted for long-term, global investigations, and Environment Canada's weather prediction model adapted for more detailed, high-resolution studies. It also involves the use of satellite and balloon sonde observational data. Based on our previous accomplishments, this research program proposes to develop four avenues of research: The transport of rich stratospheric air into the troposphere and its effect on tropospheric ozone budget and air quality; the numerical modelling of the stratosphere, including in particular the effect of solar variability; the capacity of current stratospheric chemical observations from satellites to improve the prediction of stratospheric winds through data assimilation, and thereby the tropospheric weather; and the fundamental aspects of the resolution dependence of stratospheric chemistry. This program proposes to engage three doctoral students and an undergraduate student per year in this research, and to provide them with a comprehensive training in some of the most challenging topics of atmospheric sciences.