Atmosphere and Climate

Participating Helmholtz centres: FZJ, GFZ, KIT
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Christoph Kottmeier (KIT)

The atmosphere plays a central role for the environmental conditions on Earth. It determines the climate, protects us from harmful UV radiation and ensures the continuation of the water cycle. But, how far-reaching is our knowledge really of what mechanisms and processes are important to the atmosphere and climate? Helmholtz scientists are working in the "Atmosphere and Climate" programme to extend this knowledge.

Humans have a massive impact on the atmosphere and climate through the wide range of various emissions which they produce: The chemical composition of the mantle of air changed substantially in the course of the last century. Helmholtz researchers are inquiring into the interactions taking place between the atmosphere and neighbouring areas, such as the biosphere. In addition, they are studying the make-up of water cycles and are doing research into how the supply of water could be improved. Because people in many countries of the world suffer from their regions having less and less water as a result of climatic changes.

Helmholtz scientists want to contribute to improving the prediction of global and regional climate changes. Major international experiments have been planned to this end. Innovative satellite data, supplied by ENVISAT for example, contain important information for various such projects.