Aerosol

PI: Naga Oshima (Meteorological Research Institute, Japan Meteorological Agency)

Scientific evidence based on observations and reliable climate change predictions is essential for addressing the social challenges brought about by rapid climate and environmental changes in the Arctic. Aerosols and clouds are thought to have a significant impact on the Arctic climate by altering the Earth’s radiation balance. One of the most uncertain factors in climate change predictions is the effect of aerosols on clouds and precipitation. In particular, rapid warming in the Arctic region is causing changes in the sources and regions of aerosol emissions. To understand the behavior and properties of aerosols and clouds in the warming Arctic, it is important to conduct research across multiple spheres, including the atmosphere, oceans, snow and ice, land, biology and human activities, as well as research on aerosols and clouds that examines phenomena and processes from the microscale to the macroscale. Additionally, it is important to conduct climate impact studies focusing on aerosols.

In this research project, we will conduct the following aerosol studies utilizing advanced measurement technologies and numerical models. 

Through continuous observations at international collaboration sites in the Arctic (Svalbard and Alaska) and ship-based observations (research vessels Mirai and Mirai II), we aim to understand the properties and cycles of various aerosols observed over land and ocean in the Arctic, which are relevant to multiple spheres.

Through mountain, ship, and satellite observations in the Arctic, as well as numerical model calculations at various spatial scales, we aim to understand the effects of aerosols on clouds and precipitation, and properties of clouds from the microscale to the macroscale in the Arctic.

By developing and improving an Earth system model that treats multi-spheric interactions, we aim to understand the properties of aerosols and their impacts on radiation in the Arctic since the Industrial Revolution and quantitatively evaluate the impact of aerosols on the Arctic climate.

These researches will be conducted as international collaborative research. Additionally, we aim to contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) of the Arctic Council.

Because the processes of aerosols, from production and emission to removal and deposition, span multiple spheres, we will conduct interdisciplinary observations in collaboration with other research programs, such as greenhouse gas program, biodiversity program, and coastal community program. Because the effects of aerosols and clouds are related to multiple spheres, we will conduct advanced numerical simulations in collaboration with climate disaster program and Arctic Ocean protection/utilization program. Collaborations with other research programs and utilization of research infrastructures are essential for conducting such multi-spheric aerosol research, and this can be achieved through projects such as ArCS III.