Atmospheric Chemistry

Atmospheric chemistry is the study of chemical reactions and processes that take place in Earth's atmosphere. These reactions and processes are important for a variety of reasons: they affect the production of ozone, the formation of clouds, the oxidation of pollutants, the production and removal of particulates, and the climate. Moreover, the composition of the atmosphere is constantly changing due to natural processes, such as those driven by the sun, and human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and releasing pollutants, and atmospheric chemistry is essential for understanding and predicting these changes. Knowing the atmospheric chemistry of our planet is thus crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change, as well as for understanding and protecting human health and the environment.