The Kalberer Group is based in the Centre of Atmospheric Science. Our research focuses on the chemistry of atmospheric aerosols and trace gases and their effects on human health.
Atmospheric aerosol particles - with sizes ranging from a few nanometres to tens of micrometres - are key components in the climate system. Depending on their specific chemical composition, they are scattering or absorbing solar radiation and thus contribute to the cooling or warming of the atmosphere. They influence cloud formation, precipitation and are a major factor in air pollution - being associated with respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases.
In both areas the chemical composition and reactivity of aerosol particles are important, but the overall effects and many mechanistic aspects of aerosols in the atmosphere are poorly understood.
The main research activities of our group aim to clarify the role of aerosol particles in the atmosphere, with an emphasis on particle composition and reactions. Our research projects often involve the development of new analytical instrumentation and methods.
Atmospheric aerosol particles (with sizes of a few nanometres to tens of micrometres) are key components in the climate system. Depending on their chemical composition, they are scattering or absorbing solar radiation and thus contribute to a cooling or warming of the atmosphere, respectively, and they influence cloud formation and precipitation. Aerosol particles also are a major factor in air pollution. They have been associated with respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases.
