My research interests in atmospheric physics are primarily concerned with atmospheric electrification, particularly the interactions between ions, aerosols and clouds. Other research concerns instrumentation development for surface meteorological measurements, associated with field experiments.
Aerosols are collections of particles, suspended in air.
They are usually numerous, and are often associated with sources of pollution. They affect atmospheric clouds, alter the radiation balance of the planet and may also sometimes convey bacteria or toxins. Electrification affects their physical behaviour, especially their deposition, coagulation and atmospheric removal. Natural electrification of aerosols occurs because of the charge released by natural radioactivity and cosmic rays. Aerosols, ionisation and clouds A modern application of Atmospheric Electricity is in assessing the effect of cosmic ray ionisation on atmospheric aerosols and clouds.