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Natural Environment Research Council
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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/D009510/1

Structure and processes of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and their sensitivity to changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations

Fellowship Award

Fellow:
Professor S Fueglistaler, University of Cambridge, Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Science Area:
Atmospheric
Overall Classification:
Atmospheric
ENRIs:
Global Change
Science Topics:
Tropospheric Processes
Stratospheric Processes
Large Scale Dynamics/Transport
Climate & Climate Change
Abstract:
The separation of troposphere and stratosphere is traditionally based on criteria of the vertical temperature structure, with a sharp tropopause at an altitude of about 10 km, that bulges steeply upward over the subtropics to an altitude of about 17 km over the tropics. However, other characteristics such as radiative properties or correlations of trace gas concentrations suggest a more gradual transition over a vertical layer extending from the upper troposphere (UT) into the lower stratosphere (LS). The structure of the UT/LS is determined both by tropospheric and stratospheric processes, and may be sensitive to changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Conversely, changes in the UT/LS may have a strong feedback on climate. The proposed project will help to improve our understanding of the processes that control the UT/LS structure in order to provide improved predictions of how this layer changes in a changing climate, and how the changes in this layer may have an impact on climate. To this end, we will make use of space-borne atmospheric observations, as well as of in-situ observations from instruments onboard of high flying aircrafts. The analysis of these observations will help to formulate hypotheses, which will be tested with the help of large-scale numerical models, ranging in complexity from primitive equation models to coupled chemistry/climate models.
Period of Award:
1 Mar 2007 - 28 Feb 2010
Value:
£235,365
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/D009510/1
Grant Stage:
Awaiting Completion
Scheme:
Advanced Fellow (FEC)
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Advanced Fellow

This fellowship award has a total value of £235,365  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsIndirect - Indirect CostsDI - StaffDA - Estate CostsDI - T&S
£9,870£93,950£114,329£8,610£8,605

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