Centre for Atmospheric Research
Objectives
- To co-ordinate University of Canterbury departmental research and seminars concerned with atmospheric science
- To enhance teaching in atmospheric processes at the University of Canterbury
- To promote and undertake high quality atmospheric research
- To develop and continue to foster national and international collaborative links, including the exchange of data and expertise
- To increase public awareness and education about atmospheric processes
History
The atmosphere is a major component of the New Zealand environment. It has a significant impact on human activity, as well as other sections of the physical environment. The benefits of improved knowledge of atmospheric processes are significant for a country like New Zealand. For example, improvements in weather prediction and climate forecasting have profound impacts on primary (e.g. agriculture and forestry) and secondary (e.g. aviation and tourism) industries, as well as public safety. There are many ways in which this knowledge can be applied to local problem solving, including the improvement of air quality, and reduction of the impacts of such hazards as floods, frost, drought, snow storms and high wind (which causes soil erosion and damage to buildings and structures). It also has significance for understanding global and regional environmental issues, such as global warming and the enhanced greenhouse effect, the ‘ozone hole’ and long range pollution transport (e.g. products of biomass burning and volcanic eruptions).
The University of Canterbury has numerous staff and students involved in atmospheric research, spread across several departments. These include Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Physics and Astronomy. The Centre for Atmospheric Research allows recognition of the established skill base and brings this expertise together more formally for the overall benefit of the individuals, the University and the wider community. While the individuals involved remain located in their own departments, the Centre provides a co-ordination point. This is not only for the benefit of staff and students involved on site, but also for visitors and people wanting information.
In the last 18 months the Centre has met its objectives by:-
- Establishing the Centre website
- Co-ordinating a suggested course of study
- Establishing close links with downstream users of research, including Regional Councils, Ministry for the Environment, etc.
- Establishment of Post Doctoral Fellowships and hosting of Visiting Research Fellows
- Encouraging an active graduate community in atmospheric science at both PhD, Masters and honours levels
- Publication of research in international refereed journals
- Presentation of key research results at New Zealand and international conferences
- Organising national and international conferences in Atmospheric Science
- Maintaining a public profile by organising and making presentations at workshops and open meetings
- Using every opportunity to bring international figures to the University of Canterbury, such as the ISAT programme and the Erskine Fund, particularly to enhance our profile and encourage collaboration
- Establishment of a biennial newsletter
- Annual contribution to University of Canterbury Research publication
Current
The Centre provides a contact point for all departments with an interest in Atmospheric Research to access combined facilities. This includes having access to :-
- A database of research projects currently under way at the University of Canterbury
- A database of staff and students affiliated with the Centre
- A database of external collaborators and contacts
- A seminar programme for staff and students interested in atmospheric research
- Evaluation of possible areas of future interdisciplinary collaboration
- Research bids to the Marsden Fund, and portfolio development for PGSF
Future
The Centre plans to ensure it meets its objectives by:-
- Ensuring the maintenence of all of the above facilities
- Continuing to host international visitors, both student and academic
- Continuing to foster and conduct quality research
Please feel free to contact the Centre's administrator for any information you require about current or future plans or to offer suggestions.