Atmospheric Science seminars

Lisa Dang explores how observations reveal the three-dimensional atmospheres and climates of close-in exoplanets. Kepler and TESS have established a diverse population that tests theories of planetary formation and evolution. Tidally locked short-period planets offer strong atmospheric signals but their large day–night contrasts make one-dimensional interpretations inadequate. Measurements from JWST and precise ground-based observatories can expose these spatial differences and determine whether an atmosphere is present. The talk reviews discoveries about intensely irradiated planets and explains how the same observational techniques now investigate temperate rocky worlds and their potential habitability.

Satellite measurements have transformed cloud research by sampling different wavelengths, locations and stages of cloud evolution. This seminar follows that development from early space photography to EarthCARE, explaining how observations across spatial and temporal scales characterize clouds and illuminate the physical processes behind their effects on climate.

Masa Kageyama examines climate models as tools for both scientific investigation and societal decisions. Developed through extensive collaboration, these models connect understanding of large-scale climate behaviour to projections of impacts and risks. The seminar considers scientific and technical improvements needed to support effective adaptation.

This lecture examines how temperature change is measured across the last two centuries. It compares instruments on the ground, satellite observations and indirect evidence for earlier periods. The discussion addresses the construction of global averages from uneven observations, possible urban influences and changes in temperature extremes.

Hélène Brogniez examines atmospheric water vapour as a major component of the climate system. The seminar explains how its relationship with temperature amplifies warming and connects this feedback to the water cycle. Observations and numerical models are considered as complementary tools for weather prediction and climate projections.

This lecture explains the physics and historical development of the greenhouse effect, including why rising concentrations of heat-trapping gases alter Earth's temperature. It addresses misconceptions about saturation and compares greenhouse forcing with other natural and human influences on the planetary energy balance. Measurements provide a basis for evaluating their relative contributions.