Our Vision is a nation that has the needed scientific understanding and information about our atmosphere (environmental intelligence) to make optimal decisions in the interests of the well being of current and future generations.
Chemical Sciences Division
Photo: H. Worobec, University of Montana FIREX Fire Lab 2016: Researchers take a comprehensive look at wildfire effects on air quality and climate
Graphic: D. Fisher, NOAA Our Mission: Understanding Our Atmosphere
Climate Change
Earth's atmosphere is changing. CSD scientists work in the lab, in the field, and with computer models to understand how those changes will affect climate. Read More...
Air Quality
CSD researchers study the chemical and physical processes that affect air quality, to better understand and forecast pollution events and trends that threaten human health. Read More...
Ozone Layer
People have harmed Earth's protective ozone layer by releasing ozone-depleting chemicals into the atmosphere. CSD scientists are international leaders in the scientific understanding of stratospheric ozone depletion – and ozone recovery. Read More...
Research Overview
Research Products
- current Seminar ScheduleSeminars
- Markus Petters: Ice initiation by atmospheric aerosols in mixed phase clouds. Insights from controlled laboratory experiments and field observations. Dec 7
- Jan Mandel: Jan 11
- Cora Young: Jan 18
Research Groups
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Cloud & Aerosol Processes Measuring and understanding how atmospheric particles affect clouds, climate, and air quality |
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Atmospheric Remote Sensing Developing and using laser-based instruments for deployment on land, ship, and airplane to understand atmospheric processes that affect air quality, weather, and climate |
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Regional Chemical Modeling Using models and observations to understand atmospheric pollutant transport, processing, and effects on air quality and climate |
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Tropospheric Chemistry Developing and deploying state-of-the-art instruments to understand how processes in the lower atmosphere affect air quality and climate today – and in the future |
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Atmospheric Composition & Chemical Processes Conducting airborne field measurements critical to understanding climate, air quality, and ozone depletion |
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Chemistry & Climate Processes Understanding atmospheric chemistry and climate processes with integrated analysis and modeling |
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Chemical Processes & Instrument Development Developing instrumentation to improve our ability to study key atmospheric species in the laboratory and field |