Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics

The sub-department's research focuses on the study of physical processes in the atmospheres and oceans of the Earth and other planets, using experimental and theoretical techniques. We have about 70 members, including 13 permanent academic or research staff, about 20 post-doctoral researchers and senior visitors, and about 30 graduate students.

Our main area of experimental work is the development of space instruments for infrared remote sensing of the structure and composition of planetary atmospheres, especially the Earth's stratosphere and mesosphere. Eleven of these instruments are already in space: seven in Earth orbit, one orbiting Venus, one orbiting Jupiter and another orbiting Saturn. Two unsuccessful attempts in 1992 and 1999 to orbit Mars and study its present and past climate were followed in 2005 by a new instrument on the NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, now also successfully in orbit. Several new space experiments are under development, including Earth-orbiting remote sensors to form part of the NASA Earth Observing System, which is investigating global change, and new missions to Venus, Mars and Mercury. Extensive overseas and domestic collaborations are involved, with industrial and scientific centres in Europe and the USA.

We are an important centre for theoretical atmospheric and oceanic modelling. Our climate dynamics group studies the large-scale behaviour of the atmosphere-ocean system and its response to external drivers such as the increases in greenhouse gas levels responsible for anthropogenic climate change. Other modelling of the Earth's atmosphere focuses on large-scale dynamical and chemical-transport processes relevant to climate, and on the interpretation of our satellite data. We also use dynamical models of other planets, including Mars and Jupiter, to interpret existing data and help plan new observational missions. We also investigate fundamental geophysical fluid dynamics by means of laboratory experiments on rotating, stratified fluids, including the study of the chaotic behaviour of a wide variety of physical systems using experimental and theoretical techniques.