The Impact of Aerosol Size and Bioaerosols on Cloud Formation and Life Cycle in Amazonia

• Grant number: 24/22898-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Meteorology
• Principal Investigator: Rachel Ifanger Albrecht
• Grantee: Friederike Lipken
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/04358-9 - Trace gases-aerosols-cloud interactions in Amazonia: from bioaerosols emissions to large-scale impacts (GAIA), AP.TEM

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the role of aerosols, including bioaerosols, in cloud formation, and evolution in the Amazon rainforest. Aerosol-Cloud Interactions (ACI) play a crucial role in modulating cloud properties, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric convection, yet significant uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the influence of aerosol size distributions and bioaerosols on cloud invigoration. By combining in-situ measurements, remote sensing, and large-eddy simulations (LES), the study will quantify the temporal variability of aerosol size distributions and their impact on cloud dynamics under different meteorological regimes. The research will focus on understanding how aerosol size, concentration, and bioaerosols affect cloud growth, cloud lifecycle, and precipitation, with special emphasis on ice-phase processes and convective strengthening. The Amazon region offers an ideal setting for this investigation due to its seasonal aerosol variations and distinct wet and dry seasons, which allow for an extensive analysis of aerosol-cloud interactions in both pristine and polluted conditions. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the improvement of atmospheric models, improving representation of cloud formation and climate processes in the tropics.