The dynamics of turbulent entrainment in sheared convective boundary layers. This project aims to develop general laws to enable the accurate prediction of boundary layer entrainment processes. This will be significant in a wide range of environmental and engineering applications. In particular, the current lack of understanding of this area is a major source of uncertainty in the latest generation of global climate models.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200100549
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,616.00
Summary
The true impact of fluorinated compounds in the atmosphere. This project aims to improve the underpinning science that is incorporated into atmospheric chemistry models so humanity can better understand, predict and respond to the impact of emitting large volumes of fluorinated compounds. This project expects to challenge assumptions currently used to model the atmospheric chemistry of organic fluorine compounds, as well as to evaluate the environmental impact of replacements. Expected outcomes ....The true impact of fluorinated compounds in the atmosphere. This project aims to improve the underpinning science that is incorporated into atmospheric chemistry models so humanity can better understand, predict and respond to the impact of emitting large volumes of fluorinated compounds. This project expects to challenge assumptions currently used to model the atmospheric chemistry of organic fluorine compounds, as well as to evaluate the environmental impact of replacements. Expected outcomes include a general model of organic fluorine photochemistry and refined atmospheric chemistry models. This should provide significant benefits in that humanity can avoid an environmental disaster and new, environmentally benign products can be developed.Read moreRead less
The long-term impact of short-lived, fluorinated pollutants. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol has regulated the manufacture and use of compounds that deplete the ozone layer. Industry has innovated to produce new compounds that do not affect ozone levels, for use in refrigeration and other applications for modern society. We have discovered that the current generation of compounds called hydrofluoroolefins decompose in the atmosphere to produce the worst global warming gas known. We hypothesise th ....The long-term impact of short-lived, fluorinated pollutants. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol has regulated the manufacture and use of compounds that deplete the ozone layer. Industry has innovated to produce new compounds that do not affect ozone levels, for use in refrigeration and other applications for modern society. We have discovered that the current generation of compounds called hydrofluoroolefins decompose in the atmosphere to produce the worst global warming gas known. We hypothesise that other HFOs will also decay into global warming compounds. In this project we will determine the atmospheric consequences of modern refrigerants. Expected benefits include determination the best and worst compounds for environmental impact, and data to guide industry and legislators.Read moreRead less
Role of modulating water wave groups in enhancing air-water fluxes. This project aims to investigate the importance of the group structure and breaking of wind-generated waves of various scales in the air-water exchange of mass, momentum and energy. This project expects to generate new understanding in the area of air-water exchanges using an innovative approach based on direct numerical simulation of wind over unsteady water wave groups for a wide range of wind speed and wave steepness conditi ....Role of modulating water wave groups in enhancing air-water fluxes. This project aims to investigate the importance of the group structure and breaking of wind-generated waves of various scales in the air-water exchange of mass, momentum and energy. This project expects to generate new understanding in the area of air-water exchanges using an innovative approach based on direct numerical simulation of wind over unsteady water wave groups for a wide range of wind speed and wave steepness conditions.
Expected outcomes of this project include generating fundamental knowledge of the unresolved physics and new parameterisations for air-water exchange rates. This will deliver more accurate and more comprehensive forecast models for weather, inland and ocean waterways, and numerous industrial processes.Read moreRead less
A probabilistic and geometric understanding of transport and metastability in mathematical geophysical flows. Complicated fluid flow is at the heart of physical oceanography and atmospheric science. This project will develop new mathematical technologies to reveal hidden transport barriers around which complicated fluid flow is organised. This project will lead to more accurate circulation predictions from ocean and atmosphere models.
Discovery and tracking of coherent structures in geophysical flows. Coherent structures in geophysical flows play fundamental roles by organising fluid flow and obstructing transport. For example, ocean eddies strongly influence the transportation of heat, nutrients, phytoplankton, and fish larvae, in both the horizontal and vertical direction. Many coherent structures are very difficult to detect and track by direct measurement (for example satellite observations), and current mathematical tech ....Discovery and tracking of coherent structures in geophysical flows. Coherent structures in geophysical flows play fundamental roles by organising fluid flow and obstructing transport. For example, ocean eddies strongly influence the transportation of heat, nutrients, phytoplankton, and fish larvae, in both the horizontal and vertical direction. Many coherent structures are very difficult to detect and track by direct measurement (for example satellite observations), and current mathematical techniques cannot provide an adequate global description. This project aims to create innovative new mathematical theory and numerical methods to discover and track coherent structures over time frames of physical importance, contributing significantly to our understanding of their role in the oceans' biosphere and climate.Read moreRead less
Innovative mathematics using transfer operators to reveal hidden ordered structures in geophysical flows. Complicated fluid flow is at the heart of physical oceanography and atmospheric science. This research will develop new mathematical technologies to reveal hidden ordered structures around which complicated fluid flow is organised. This new analytical approach will lead to more accurate circulation predictions from ocean and atmosphere models.