Atmospheric Aerosol Research (IMK-AAF)
Welcome to the department "Atmospheric Aerosol Research" of the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Our research focuses on the role of aerosols in the climate system, the hydrological cycle, and the environment.
The IMK-AAF
- operates the internationally renowned AIDA aerosol and cloud simulation chamber
- runs laboratories for aerosol and cloud research
- participates in ground-based and aircraft field campaigns around the world
The head of the division, Thomas Leisner, is professor at the Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Heidelberg
We are joining the long-term project of Naruki Hiranuma (WTAMU) at the italian Gruvebadet Atmospheric Observatory with our PINE chamber to investigate the ice-nucleating particle (INP) population in the high Arctic. The high Arctic is the fastest changing environment on Earth due to Arctic amplification. Sea ice melting and permafrost thawing affect the aerosol population and in turn the climate and the weather.
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The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and DFG has approved funding of a bilateral Austrian - German research project “Ice-nucleation activity of alkali feldspar in aerosol” (ICEFELD). This highly interdisciplinary project combining geo-materials science, atmospheric ice formation research, and computational physics will be carried out in collaboration between the cloud microphysics research group at IMK-AAF and University of Vienna.
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A three-year long science program, IMPACTS, is launching it’s final phase to improve snowfall prediction. Advanced remote sensing and in-situ instruments will fly over the eastern seaboard to identify key processes and improve forecasting. The study aims to increase understanding of snowband formation and the microphysical characteristics of snow particles, thus improving prediction and public safety.
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The atmospheric simulation chamber AIDA (Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere) was constructed at KIT between 1995 and 1997. It is in operation since 25 years for studying a large variety of trace gas, aerosol and cloud processes of importance for the environment, the weather systems and the global climate.
During our third participation of the Pallas Cloud Experiment (PACE), we use our Skywalker UAVs to sample ice-nucleating particles (INPs) up to 2 km, aiming to better understand the difference between ground-based and cloud-level INP measurements. The Portable Ice Nucleation Experiment (PINE) chamber was installed as a reference measure at the Pallas supersite and will continue monitoring INP concentrations over winter.
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On a hill overlooking Karlsruhe air quality and transport of aerosol particles and trace gases are characterized. A scanning aerosol lidar measures aerosol particle distributions and trace gas and particle composition are determined by mass spectrometers. Nearby local emission sources as well as regional pollutant transport into the city will be determined for a summer period with heat waves.