Atmospheric chemistry numerical studies for Central America and the Caribbean regions with emphasis in Cuba

• Grant number: 09/13512-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2010
• End date: February 28, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Meteorology
• Principal Investigator: Karla Maria Longo de Freitas
• Grantee: Madeleine Sánchez Gácita Casagrande
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The CCATT-BRAMS model, developed and maintained by INPE, is a 3D atmospheric chemical transport model, suitable for simulation of emissions, transport and removal process of trace gases and aerosols and the atmospheric reactivity. The student propose to use this model to assess the physical and chemical mechanisms that conduct the chemistry in the low troposphere, for Central America and the Caribbean regions, with emphasis in Cuba. This work requires a detailed study of the relevant physical and chemical mechanisms, and their particularities in the area. An extension of the anthropogenic emissions regional database will be performed for Central America and the Caribbean, and the implementation of a new chemical mechanism will be accomplished as well. The performance of the model will be evaluated throughout sensitivity studies and comparison with direct observations. (AU)