Odin satellite; launched in 2001
The neutral atmosphere below 100 km is the research domain of Alan Manson, Ted Llewellyn and Doug Degenstein who use a mixture of ground-based and space-borne instrumentation to obtain information relating to the processes in this part of the atmosphere. The atmospheric composition here is controlled by energy from the sun, by chemical activities on the ground, and by the dynamical exchange-processes that 'move' the constituents around. Atomic oxygen, which is essential to the formation of ozone, is formed in the upper atmosphere, from the photodissociation of molecular oxygen, and then transported downward, where it is eventually converted to ozone. Control over the quantity of ozone in the atmosphere occurs in both the region of maximum concentration, where it is attacked by chemicals resulting from human activity, and in the high atmosphere (>100 km) far removed from the `biological shield'. It is the significant reduction in the ozone column that occurs each spring that has provided direct evidence for the impact of human activities on the atmosphere. However, the full details of the processes for ozone-loss, and those which control global warming are still not understood.
One way to improve our measurement database and understanding of those processes responsible for ozone deletion and global change is through the development of new and improved satellite-borne remote sensing instrumentation. The Odin satellite that was launched on February 20, 2001, from eastern Siberia includes the Canadian-built optical instrument (OSIRIS) that will provide new remote sensing observations. The first results from this instrument show that it is operating well above its design performance and that it is possible to generate new mapping information that can enhance our understanding of atmospheric processes. The OSIRIS instrument concept (and the related atmospheric science) was developed by the ISAS "Infra Red Aeronomy Group" led by Ted Llewellyn.
Volcanic activity is one of the major influences on the earth's atmosphere.
The wind and weather systems that transport ozone and other GHG, and also provide the isolated polar environment for the spring-time destruction of ozone, are also studied by ground based radars and with highly sophisticated interferometers in satellites. The three MF radars of Alan Manson's "Atmospheric Dynamics Group" at Saskatoon, Platteville and Tromso measure atmospheric motions from 60-100 km and provide the neutral winds and atmospheric tidal, planetary, and gravity waves. These waves re-distribute solar energy, and energy associated with weather systems, throughout the entire earth's atmosphere, which stretches from the ground to over 100 km. These ISAS radars are part of a growing global network of wind sensors, and tell us much about the controlling processes for climate change. The satellite optical interferometers measure wind speed and direction by looking at the change in the colour of light (Doppler effect). The combination of high resolution spatial and temporal observations, provided by satellite and ground-based systems, is very synergistic.
Collaborations within programs such as the international PSMOS and CAWSES (within SCOSTEP, Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics), and SPARC (a project of the "World Climate Research Programme") allow these processes of 'Climate Change' to be studied globally. Many of these dynamical processes have dimensions which are hemispheric or global. It is also vital to investigate trends in ozone concentration, temperature, and atmospheric dynamics which are occurring over time scales longer than solar cycles (about 11 years), and which also contribute to "Global Climate Change".