Research Interests
Atmospheric Chemistry
A number of research areas are being currently pursued:
Isotopic signatures and emission strengths of Greenhouse gases
Quantifying the emissions of greenhouse gases is very important for the long-term management of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The emissions are often from a wide range of sources and difficult to quantify. We have been working on the use FTIR spectroscopy to determine both the strength of emissions from various sources, and the isotopic signature of the emitted gases. Our initial focus is on N 2 O, and the isotopic label of the two (chemically distinct) nitrogen atoms within the molecule. Projects underway currently are looking at the variations in the atmosphere and studies of soils, estuarine systems and anthropogenic sources.
Studies are also underway using low-resolution FTIR spectroscopy to quantify concentrations of a range of key gases (N2O, CO2, CH4, CO) in urban and environments.
Ultraviolet/ Visible Solar Radiation
The measurement of UV-B radiation is important for the assessment of the impact of stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change, as UV-B radiation drives much of atmospheric chemistry. Work at the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station, Australia 's background atmospheric monitoring station is studying changes in UV photolysis rates with time.
There are also studies of the changes in solar radiation with particular emphasis on the impact of aerosol (dust) on the amount of light reaching the earth's surface, and how this is changing with time. The measurement techniques are also being used to study biomass burning emissions, combining the molecular information available from remote sensing FTIR methods and the aerosol property information provided by visible radiation measurements.
Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group
Stephen Wilson Research Overview Poster (PDF 190k)
Representative Publications
Paton-Walsh, C., N. Jones, S.R. Wilson, A. Meier, N. Deutscher, D.W.T. Griffith, R. Mitchell, and S. Campbell, Trace Gas Emissions from Biomass Burning inferred from Aerosol Optical Depth, Geophysical Research Letters, 31, L05116, 2004.
Solomon, K.R., X. Tang, S.R. Wilson, P. Zanis, and A.F. Bais, Changes in tropospheric composition and air quality due to stratospheric ozone depletion, Photochemical and Photobiological Science, 2, 62-67, 2003.
Wilson, S.R., and B.W. Forgan, Aerosol optical depth at Cape Grim, Tasmania 1986-1999, Journal of Geophysical Research, 107 (D8), DOI 10.1029/20001JD000398 (8pp), 2002.
Esler, M.B., D.W.T. Griffith, S.R. Wilson, and L.P. Steele, Precision trace gas analysis by FTIR spectroscopy 1. Simultaneous analysis of CO2, CH4, N2O and CO in air, Analytical Chemistry, 72 (1), 206-215, 2000.
Wilson, S.R., A.L. Dick, P.J. Fraser, and S. Whittlestone, Nitrous oxide Flux Estimates for South-eastern Australia, J. Atmos. Chem., 26 (2), 169-188, 1997.
Searchable Publication List
Current Students
Kim Henville, (PhD)
Greenhouse gas emission signatures
Paul Krummel, (PhD)
Atmospheric variability at Cape Grim
Ann Mills, (PhD)
Nitrogen cycling in sediments
Stephen Parkes, (PhD)
Nitrogen isotopic signature from soils
Suggested Topics for Future Students
Aerosol optical depth records in Australia
Photochemial processes at the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station
Isotopic signature of greenhouse gases
Emission estimates of greenhouse gases.
Abbreviated CV
Qualifications
Ph.D. (ANU,1982)
B.Sc. (Hons,1978)
Positions
1992 - Present, Academic in Chemistry, University of Wollongong
October 1988 -February 1992, Officer in Charge, Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station.
December 1985- October 1988, Postdoctoral Position, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany.
1981-1985 Senior Tutor, Monash University.
2002- Member of the UNEP panel for the assessment of the impact of ozone depletion.
1992 - Lead Scientist at Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station.
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