Radiative forcing of aerosols, clouds and gases in the atmosphere

• Grant number: 13/06090-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Meteorology
• Principal researcher: Henrique de Melo Jorge Barbosa
• Grantee: Luiz Mauricio Azanha
• Home Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 08/58100-2 - Aeroclima: direct and indirect effects of aerosols on climate in Amazonia and Pantanal, AP.PFPMCG.TEM

Abstract

In this scientific initiation research project the student will study atmospheric radiation, focusing on how radiation interacts with clouds, aerosols and gases. The main objective is, for some idealized situations, estimate the radiative forcing of gases aerosols and clouds using a 1D radiative transfer model. In these simulations, the student will vary, among other things, the surface albedo, cloud base height, CO2 concentration and optical properties of aerosols. This will give him, firstly, a quantitative view of the importance of each component of the atmosphere to the radiation balance. Secondly, it will give him a perception of how each of these depend on "indirect parameters" such as the surface albedo or the relative position of clouds and aerosols. (AU)