Atmospheric physics

Study of dynamical, radiative and microphysical processes in the Earth’s Atmosphere, with application to meteorology, climatology, remote sensing and the environment.

The work done by the group of Atmospheric Physics attempts to further the understanding of fundamental issues related to the dynamics, radiative transfer and thermodynamics of the atmosphere. The ultimate goal is to improve our knowledge on key processes regulating the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere, both in the short-term (meteorology) and long-term (climate). Of interest is the development of novel parameterizations (in the lower and higher atmosphere) for improvement of numerical (NWP) weather prediction models. To this end, the research performed by the Group employs a variety of state of the art scientific investigation techniques including: large scale field measurements (both in urban context and in the natural environment), numerical modelling and simulation, development of new satellite missions, novel interpretation of existing data sets.

The Group is also involved in the definition of innovative methods to extract the maximum information content from in-situ and remote sensing measurements of the atmosphere either from active or passive sensors, with the aim to improve the knowledge of clouds and precipitation physics.

Research is fully integrated in the national and international context, it is funded by national and international projects including Horizon2020, ESA-funded project etc. The group is active in numerous collaborations with several research institutions (local, national or international).

There are 4 main areas of research: dynamics of the atmosphere at multi-scale, microphysics of clouds and precipitation; remote sensing and radiative transfer of clouds; forward/inverse modelling for atmosphere remote sensing.