Junior Research Group

Group Members introduce themselves
and their Projects

Rolf von Kuhlmann

Most of these studies are part of my thesis, which is in its final stages, and several publications are planned in the future.

MODEL DEVELOPEMENT

The focus of my work has been to impove the chemistry module in the chemical-tracer model MATCH. Several steps have been made to reach this aim. A scheme to account for non-methane hydrocarbon chemistry in global models has been put together and was implemented into MATCH using a flexible pre-processing technique in combination with a fast, accurate, stable implicit solver. The implementation allows us to easily add new reactions to the scheme. A further speed-up without compromising accuracy could be achieved by using asymmetric sub-divisions of the chemical timestep. The first 3D tests of the accuracy of the integration techniques have been successfully performed, and indicated that demands on a solver can be much higher in the 3D model (in the framework of operator splitting) than in typical box model setups. Updated and expanded emission invetories and the implementation and expansion of an online dry deposition scheme are further developement steps intended for MATCH.

MODEL EVALUATION:

The results from a 16 month model integration at fairly high resolution (1.9 by 1.9 degree) and lower resolution (5.6 x 5.6) have been extensively compared to available observations. These include surface observations, ozone sondes, airborne measurements as well as satelite measurements.

SENSITIVITY STUDIES I: The role of NMHCs

Using the flexible integration technique implemented in MATCH, the role of non-methane hydrocarbons is evaluated, in particular that of isoprene. Using runs with increasing complexity of the chemistry helps us to identify the effects of groups of hydrocarbons on ozone concentrations and CO in the atmosphere.

SENSITIVITY STUDIES II: Uncertainties in modeling isoprene chemistry in a global model

Several sensitivity runs have been performed to investigate which model assumptions can have a large impact on the simulated distribution of ozone, and its main precursors. In this study not only chemical assumptions are tested, but also the fate of some oxidation products to deposition processes and their possible implications.

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry
(Otto Hahn Institute)
Becherweg 27
55128 Mainz

Postal Address:
P. O. Box 3060
55020 Mainz

Phone: +49(0)6131-305-332
Fax: +49(0)6131305-577
http://www.mpch-mainz.mpg.de/~kuhlmann

e-mail:
kuhlmann *at* mpch-mainz.mpg.de