[PAOCQ] Lee Murray (University of Rochester)

“Atmosphere Chemistry Across Scales: From Drivers of Oxidative Capacity to Climate-Health Impacts”

The chemical composition of the atmosphere reflects a dynamic interplay of emissions, meteorology, and reactive chemistry. Oxidants such as hydroxyl radicals and ozone regulate the lifetimes of reactive greenhouse gases and air pollutants, shaping climate feedbacks as well as human, crop, and ecosystem exposure. Yet large uncertainties remain in how the atmosphere’s oxidative capacity responds to evolving emissions and climate change across past, present, and future time scales. This seminar examines how chemical and meteorological processes jointly control the global distribution of oxidants and their variability through space and time. Particular attention is given to lightning as a key coupling between atmospheric dynamics and chemistry, influencing the formation and transport of reactive nitrogen and radicals, and itself influenced by atmospheric composition. The discussion highlights how perturbations in chemistry and meteorology cascade through the Earth system to affect surface air quality, agricultural yields, and human health.

PAOC Colloquium —

Interdisciplinary seminar series that brings together the whole PAOC (Program in Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate) community. Seminar topics include all research concerning the physics, chemistry, and biology of the atmospheres, oceans and climate, as well as talks about societal impacts of climatic processes.

Contact: paoc-colloquium-comm@mit.edu