Research overview
Development of the numerical model, SPRINTARS, which can simulate and predict global distributions of main atmospheric aerosols.
Suspended particle matters (aerosols) are soil dust particles from deserts and sea salt particles from sea surface which are natural sources, and sulfate, black carbon, and organic matter from fossil fuel and biomass burning which are anthropogenic sources. We have developed SPRINTARS which can simulate and predict their global distributions with computers.
Evaluation of climate change due to aerosols with SPRINTARS
Aerosols cause climate change through the aerosol-radiation interaction (direct effect) in which they scatter and absorb the solar and thermal radiation, the aerosol-cloud interaction (indirect effect) in which they alter microphysical and optical properties of cloud droplets and ice crystals acting as cloud condensation and ice nuclei, and etc. We analyze climate change due to aerosols through improvements of the climate model and earth system model incorporating SPRINTARS.
Development of the aerosol forecasting system with SPRINTARS
Air pollution due to PM2.5 and soil dust is a social problem. We are operating an aerosol forecasting system with SPRINTARS every day. We also study for more accurate aerosol forecast. PM2.5 forecast by SPRINTARS is put to practical use for daily life through TV/radio programs, newspapers, external websites, and apps, especially in Japan.