Chemistry and climate

The atmospheric effects of energetic particles arise primarily through the chemical changes they induce. When these particles enter the atmosphere, they trigger reactions that can alter the abundance of important constituents, including ozone. As the ozone layer plays a key role in protecting life from harmful ultraviolet radiation and regulating the atmospheric energy balance, changes in its concentration can influence temperature patterns and atmospheric circulation.

The atmosphere is shaped by a complex interplay of influences from both Earth and space. Variations in solar activity, extreme solar particle events, volcanic eruptions, and changes in geomagnetic shielding can all affect atmospheric composition and climate. During periods of weakened magnetic shielding, some of these influences may become more pronounced, potentially altering the way the atmosphere responds to external forcing. Our research explores how these factors interact under different climate states, helping us understand both past environmental changes and the possible consequences of future geomagnetic events in a changing world.

To investigate these processes, we use advanced Earth system models that combine atmospheric chemistry, radiation processes, and climate dynamics to explore a range of past and future scenarios under different magnetic, solar, volcanic, and climate conditions.

Within the project, our team's task is to investigate how changes in geomagnetic shielding may influence the Earth's atmosphere and climate. In periods of reduced shielding, larger fluxes of solar energetic particles and galactic cosmic rays may enter the atmosphere. We focus on understanding the chain of processes through which this enhanced particle precipitation can influence atmospheric composition and dynamics, and whether these effects can ultimately lead to detectable impacts on climate.