In the Thornton Lab, we use a combination of laboratory-based studies, field studies, and computational studies to (1) help develop a detailed understanding of the chemical and physical processes occurring in the atmosphere and (2) assess the potential for current and future human activities to cause global atmospheric change.

Aerosols, or particles suspended in air, contribute to poor air quality, both through direct emissions and secondary chemical processing. Aerosols also have the most uncertainty associated with its contribution to Earth’s energy budget. We specifically investigate aerosol particle sources and chemistry, wildfire emissions and processing, aerosol-cloud interactions, and atmosphere-biosphere interactions.

 

 

Research Topics