Understanding the impact of aerosol generated at the sea surface microlayer on the atmosphere

This project is part of the ONE Planet DTP. Find out more here: https://research.ncl.ac.uk/one-planet/

The sea-air boundary is a critical interface characterised by major chemical, biological and physical exchanges at the molecular scale. All sea-air exchanges of mass and energy must pass through the sea surface microlayer (SML), which is less than about half a millimetre deep but is physically, chemically and biologically distinct from the underlying water and the atmosphere. Understanding processes in the SML is essential to our understanding of global biogeochemical cycles and climate regulation. One important role of the SML is in generating marine boundary layer aerosols via bubble bursting, which transfers organic aerosol precursor materials such as biologically-derived surfactants across the sea-air interface.
As aerosols age their physico-chemical properties, e.g. composition, size, concentration, phase (solid, liquid, gel, glass) and mixing state (core-shell) evolve, changing the ways in which they interact with light. Quantifying aerosol-light interaction is vital for evaluating the effect of marine generated aerosol on atmospheric radiative forcing (warming and cooling effect) and is important for improving the accuracy of models that predict climate change. By studying the aerosol dynamics of complex, multi-particle interactions (averaging effects) using ocean field data combined with investigations of individual aerosol droplets using optical tweezers coupled to Raman spectroscopy, this PhD will provide insight into aerosol formation, mass transfer at the ocean-air interface, ozone breakdown of aerosol and dynamics of subsequent aerosol transformation.
The successful applicant will be fully trained in use all relevant analytical techniques at Newcastle University. Technical and other directly relevant training will be provided to equip the student with the skills necessary for all aspects of the project.
The PhD student appointed should have a background in marine science or chemistry with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. For more information, please contact Dr A.E. Carruthers ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof. R.C. Upstill-Goddard ([Email Address Removed]).