Air Quality Modelling
The aim of this research line is the development and application of models of the atmospheric composition in the lower troposphere from the global to the local scale. Applications ranges from study of the processes governing the formation of pollutants in the gaseous and aerosol phase, to the analysis of the interactions between anthropogenic pollution and meteorology (e.g. cloud formation), operational forecast of air quality levels, support to the penetration of renewable energy sources strongly relying on meteorological factors (e.g. solar and wind energy). Models are used in combination with observations in-situ and remotely sensed from the ground, airplane and satellite.
These activities are led by Dr. Gabriele Curci.
Main current topics include:
Development of modules in the regional scale models CHIMERE (France) and WRF/Chem (USA), and global scale GEOS-Chem (Harvard, USA). The development takes place in strict contact with the international research centres and universities that maintain the models.
Aerosol from satellite and synergy with models. Development of a model post processing tool for the calculation of aerosol optical properties (FlexAOD), interface with Radiative Transfer Models, and implementation into satellite retrieval algorithms for the remote sensing of abundance and composition of aerosols from space.
Operational forecast of air quality over Europe and Italy (ForeChem). Development and validation of the forecast system.
Dispersion of pollutants at the local scale with puff models and CFD methods.
