CARE-C participates in the CLOUD Doctoral Network final conference
Researchers from The Cyprus Institute’s Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C) from the 2nd – 6th of March joined leading international scientists for the final conference of the CLOUD Doctoral Network, marking a significant milestone in the study of atmospheric particle formation and its impact on global climate.
Dr. Christos Xenofontos shared critical findings from his doctoral research, which utilizes state-of-the-art Earth system modeling to investigate how anthropogenic emissions, specifically ammonia (NH3), influence the formation of aerosol particles in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
His research, developed in collaboration with the CERN CLOUD (Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Droplets) experiment, demonstrates that human-induced ammonia emissions, primarily from agricultural activities, can significantly enhance the number of atmospheric particles, potentially leading to a 2.5-fold increase in cloud condensation nuclei that seed cloud formation. These findings are vital for improving the accuracy of climate models and understanding how human activity alters cloud cover and the Earth’s radiative balance.
The CLOUD experiment at CERN is the world’s leading facility for studying the influence of cosmic rays and various trace gases on the formation of aerosols and clouds. By using a specialized “ultra-clean” chamber, scientists can recreate the Earth’s atmosphere under precisely controlled conditions. The experiment brings together universities and research institutes across Europe to train PhD researchers.
CARE-C has been a partner in the CERN CLOUD experiment since 2020. Led by Principal Investigator Associate Professor Theodoros Christoudias, the CARE-C team provides expertise in Earth system modeling and high-performance computing to translate laboratory findings into global climate projections.
Associate Pro. Theodoros Christoudias highlights, “Our participation in the CLOUD-DOC network and the broader CERN CLOUD collaboration underscores Cyprus’s role at the forefront of climate and atmospheric science”.
The CLOUD Doctoral Network project is funded under the EU’s Horizon Europe program.
