RESEARCH PROJECTS
In
recent times, the atmosphere has experienced substantial
changes in its composition. These changes have been manifested in the
rapid,
secular increases of the so-called greenhouse gases such as carbon
dioxide,
methane, and ground-level ozone –all of which can dramatically alter
the
energy balance of our planet. My research then seeks to understand how
physical and biological constraints influence the rate of energy and
mass
exchange between the biosphere (e.g., forests) and the atmospheric
layer
adjacent to the ground surface. Within this general theme, I have
accomplished
laboratory and field investigations to increase our knowledge
concerning
the processes contributing to ozone formation and destruction close to
the ground, hydrocarbon emission and processing inside and above plant
canopies, and carbon sequestration by deciduous forests. The central
goal
of all this research is to integrate field research findings in a
theoretical
framework (i.e., numerical models) to develop predictive capabilities
to
address societally questions related to regional and global air quality
and climate change. The following links provide brief descriptions of
my
field research projects.
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