Welcome to the Homepage of the Global Modelling Group (MOD)
The Earth's atmosphere and hence the climate is influenced by natural and anthropogenic processes. As the atmosphere is a complex system determined by dynamical, radiative and chemical processes it is necessary to understand these processes in detail in order to make a reliable prediction of the future development of the atmosphere. Beside measurements computer simulations of atmospheric processes are a prerequisite to understand the behaviour of the atmosphere.
In order to improve the understanding of atmospheric processes, the group uses atmospheric chemistry models, which are used to interpret measurements from the IMK-ASF groups and other project partners. The question of the processes can only be clarified through close interaction between observation, experiment and modeling.
The group is particularly interested in the processes that control the stratospheric ozone budget from the upper troposphere to the mesosphere, as these altitude regions and the ozone itself play an important role in the climate system. Ozone also plays an important role in the planetary boundary layer, but this is negatively connoted for air quality reasons. In the polar spring, atmospheric science is concerned with the sometimes complete depletion of ground-level ozone combined with an explosive increase in bromine monoxide.
The main scientific objectives of the group are
- Investigation of the ozone life cycle and its influencing processes in all spheres of the atmosphere
- Investigation of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. methane)
- Improved simulation of the UV index
In order to achieve these goals, the Global Modeling Group is involved in national and international projects (see Projects) and is constantly developing the global simulation models used (see Models).