The atmosphere is an integral component of the Earth and contributes to the sustainability of life on this planet. Whether by regulating Earth's temperature, as an integral component of the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles, or in providing a favorable climate to meet food and energy demands, the atmosphere is key to the long-term viability of the planet's inhabitants and ecosystems.
We study the interactions between the atmosphere and other critical components of the Earth system. We focus on processes near the Earth's surface as well as regional and global scale atmospheric processes that play a role in global climate change. We use biometeorological tools as well as models and data analysis techniques to investigate the interaction between the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the hydrosphere.
Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions
Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions
Research in this area is aimed at understanding the coupled interactions between Earth's atmosphere and biosphere at local to global scales. Key questions include: How does human alteration of the biosphere affect the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere? How will changes in our atmosphere affect the distribution, health, and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems?
Affiliated Faculty
- Timothy Griffis
- Dylan Millet
- Peter Snyder
- Tracy Twine
- Rodney Venterea
Atmospheric Chemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry
Atmospheric chemistry research at the University of Minnesota seeks to address critical questions about the properties of our local, regional, and global atmosphere: What controls the chemical composition of the atmosphere? How is it affected by humans and by natural processes? What are the implications for air quality and climate?
Affiliated Faculty
- Dylan Millet
- Peter Neff
Biogeochemistry
Our research focuses on understanding the biogeochemical cycles governing the fate and behavior of chemicals in the environment and, ultimately, the composition of our soils, atmosphere, and water. We are quantifying how changes in climate, land use, and agricultural management practices affect the cycling of carbon, nutrients, contaminants, and water at local, regional, and global scales. We are addressing such questions as: How can we continue to intensify crop production to meet a growing global demand for food and fiber while preserving the quality of soil, water, and air? How do we grow biofuel crops while maintaining food security and freshwater resources, and minimizing carbon and nitrogen losses from the landscape? How do different land uses and cropping systems affect the net flux of greenhouse gases and the storage or loss of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from soils?
Affiliated Faculty
- Brent Dalzell
- Melinda Erickson
- Gary Feyereisen
- Timothy Griffis
- Satoshi Ishii
- Kurt Spokas
- Jeff Strock
- Brandy Toner
- Rodney Venterea
- Kyungsoo Yoo
Biometeorology
Biometeorology
Biometeorology is an interdisciplinary science concerning the interactions between the biosphere and lower atmosphere. Theory, measurements, and models are used to help improve our understanding of the biophysical processes and feedback mechanisms that control heat and mass transfer near the Earth's surface. Our current research concerns the impacts of human activities, such as land use change and land management, on energy, water, carbon, and nitrogen exchange between the land and atmosphere.
Affiliated Faculty
- John Baker
- Timothy Griffis
Climate and Climate Change
Climate and Climate Change
The University of Minnesota is a leader in climate research focused on local, regional, and global climate change science. Our research team addresses a wide array of science questions related to atmospheric processes, land-atmosphere interactions, greenhouse gases, and agricultural and natural ecosystem responses to climate change. Key questions include: How might climate change affect terrestrial ecosystems? How can we use numerical models to better understand atmospheric processes and predict effects of future climate change? What may climate change do to agricultural productivity in Minnesota and around the globe?
Affiliated Faculty
- Dylan Millet
- David Mulla
- Peter Neff
- Heidi Roop
- Peter Snyder
- Tracy Twine