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Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space
Sciences
Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space
Sciences
AOSS interests bridge both engineering and
science and prepare students to answer a
growing demand for expertise in both
atmospheric and space science. AOSS
programs focus on the description of
atmospheric characteristics and phenomena on
the Earth and other planets and the
interrelationships between the Earth and the
Sun. Because of the integrated nature of the
program, AOSS students have an extensive
background in atmospheric and space science, weather, and the engineering of complex and
highly reliable space systems and
instrumentation.
AOSS students are prepared to step into one
of the many positions in the space and
meteorology industries. AOSS has actively
participated in the Nation's space program
since it's inception. From the V-2
rockets of the 40s through the Cassini-Huygens
mission to Saturn program of today, AOSS
faculty and students have contributed to a body
of work that protects the Earth's environment
and will protect humans on travels to Mars and
beyond.
AOSS offers high quality academic programs
that combine extensive hands-on experience at
all levels with a strong emphasis on the
theoretical and applied aspects of a student's
area of concentration.
Atmospheric scientists are concerned with
solving problems relating to forecasting, air
pollution, industrial plant location and
processes, and the design and wind loading of
structures, among a growing list of areas. The
focus of planetary/space
scientists includes the effects of space
weather on Earth, planetary atmospheric and
geological environments, and the construction
of satellite-platform instruments for
observation of the Earth-atmosphere-ocean
system.
The Space Research Building houses AOSS and
the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL), the focus of which is science-driven
engineering. SPRL activities include work
experience for undergraduates in several
engineering disciplines as well as research
opportunities for both undergraduate and
graduate students. SPRL engineers are
working with faculty and NASA scientists on a
wide variety of Earth and space science
projects, including studies of the atmospheres
of the Earth, other planets and interstellar
bodies, the plasma regions within and
beyond the solar system and space
weather. Facilities for the constructing
and testing of satellite instruments are also
part of SPRL.
Other facilities include laboratories for
the study of atmospheric chemistry and for
field measurements of atmospheric constituents, as well as modeling of the transport and
dispersion of pollutants. Remote sensing of the
atmosphere and ocean from satellites and other
platforms is a strong area of research in the
Department. In the space sciences there is an
emphasis on the upper atmosphere, the
atmospheres of the planets, the interplanetary
medium, and the study of comets.
Undergraduates are encouraged to participate
in research programs in one of the areas
discussed above. Additionally, state-of-the-art
classroom facilities and several computer labs
are located in the Department.
Air Quality Laboratory
Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Modeling
Group
Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn &
Titan
Center for Planetary Sciences
Center for Space Environment Modeling
High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI)
Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Science Team
Microwave Geophysics Group
PROPHET: Program for Reasearch on Oxidants:
Photochemistry, Emissions & Transport
Solar and Heliospheric Physics
Spaceborne Microwave Remote Sensors
Tropospheric Ozone and Air Quality Modeling
TIMED Doppler Interferometer, TIDI
U of M Weather
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