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Overview

The main instrument for the transport studies is the coupled meteorology-chemistry-transport-aerosol model LM-MUSCAT. Several modules for simulating aerosol dynamics were implemented into MUSCAT, using either modal techniques or sectional approaches for the description of aerosol size distribution. Primary particle emission and secondary aerosol formation are considered.

Saharan Dust Transport. To investigate the large-scale transport of Saharan dust, including its sources and sinks, computer simulations with the regional transport model LM-MUSCAT are carried out. In addition to parameterizing dust particle fluxes, the influence of dust by modifying solar and thermal radiative fluxes on temperature, wind fields, and cloud dynamics is estimated within the framework of the SAMUM project. Within the WGL Network TRACES Saharan dust export to the North Atlantic is quantified, where nutrient input by dust is suspected to enhance marine productivity.

Air Quality. The use of models is a prerequisite for finding effective means to comply with air pollution standards. Examples for the use of the model system LM-MUSCAT in regional studies are investigations of secondary particle formation form power plant emissions, and estimates of the influence of increased ammonia emissions on particle formation (AMMONISAX). For modeling at local scales an aerosol-transport model was developed that describes emission, aerosol formation, transport and deposition at urban scales (ASAM: All Scale Atmospheric Model).

Grafic: Influence of Aerosol Particles on the Formation of Precipitation

Studies on the Influence of Aerosol Particles on the Formation of Precipitation. Atmospheric aerosol particles have a great influence on the formation of precipitation. A combination of spectral microphysics with a three dimensional mesoscale weather model is used for detailed studies on the nucleation of cloud droplets as a direct link between aerosols and clouds, which is the basis for precipitation formation.