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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/B504622/1

Volcanogenic bromine and iodine: petrology, atmospheric chemistry and global emission rate.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor J Barclay, University of Cambridge, Chemistry
Co-Investigator:
Dr RA Cox, University of Cambridge, Chemistry
Co-Investigator:
Dr C Oppenheimer, University of Cambridge, Geography
Science Area:
Terrestrial
Earth
Atmospheric
Overall Classification:
Atmospheric
ENRIs:
Pollution and Waste
Global Change
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:
Atmospheric Kinetics
Tropospheric Processes
Volcanic Processes
Geohazards
Abstract:
This research program will quantify the degassing behaviour of heavy halogens (bromine and iodine) from active volcanic systems. These elements are present in small quantities in magma but if they are released during eruption could have a profound impact on the chemistry of the regional lower atmosphere. These potential impacts include ozone destruction and increasing the oxidation rate of climatically-important compounds e.g. volatile organic compounds. During larger eruptions these effects would extend globally. Our approach to this problem will combine findings from research conducted across a wide range of environmental science disciplines. The degassing of bromine and iodine from two differing active volcanic systems (Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat and Etna, Italy) will be reproduced in the laboratory. Laboratory and field experimental work will characterise the way in which these elements partition from the melt into the vapour phase and will also investigate the reactions that take place after emission, in order to understand how the halogen compounds are transformed into photo-chemically reactive species in the atmosphere. The incorporation of these results with the measured flux at these and other volcanoes will produce a complete model for the degassing process at these volcanoes, relevant to their impact on atmospheric chemistry.
Period of Award:
1 Mar 2005 - 30 Sep 2008
Value:
£156,382 Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/B504622/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £156,382  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£93,301£5,658£14,507£42,919

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