The Biogeochemical Impacts of Forests and the Implications for Climate Change Mitigation

Forests and vegetation emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) into the atmosphere which, once oxidized, can partition into the particle phase, forming secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). This thesis reports on a unique and comprehensive analysis of the impact of BVOC emissions on atmospheric aerosols and climate. A state-of-the-art global aerosol microphysics model is used to make the first detailed assessment of the impact of BVOC emissions on aerosol microphysical properties, improving our understanding of the role of these emissions in affecting the Earth's climate. The thesis also reports on the implications for the climate impact of forests. Accounting for the climate impacts of SOAs, taken together with the carbon cycle and surface albedo effects that have been studied in previous work, increases the total warming effect of global deforestation by roughly 20%.

Nominated as an Outstanding Ph.D. thesis by the University of Leeds, UK Demonstrates that forests have a greater impact on climate than previously thought Explains how organic molecules emitted by forests impact atmospheric particles and the climate

Auteur
Before commencing doctoral studies, Catherine Scott received an MChem in Chemistry with Industrial Experience from the University of Manchester (2007) and an MSc in Energy and Environment from the University of Leeds (2009).

Contenu
Introduction.- Model Description.- The Impact of Biogenic SOA on Particle and Cloud Condensation Nuclei Concentration.- The Radiative Impact of Biogenic SOA.- The Impact of Volatility Treatment.- The Radiative Effects of Deforestation.- Conclusions, Implications and Further Work.