RESEARCH PROJECT/ACTIVITY
The primary objective of the proposal is to co-ordinate and work together for investigating the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere by utilising different in-situ, space-borne and model simulation techniques. The project focuses on scientific themes aimed at obtaining a better understanding of southern tropics/sub-tropical areas, such as:
- Troposphere ozone and aerosol studies over Indian Ocean Region
- Greenhouse gas measurements
- Middle atmosphere dynamics and thermal structure: comparative studies from LiDAR datasets
- Water vapour cycle study in the Upper Troposphere-Lower Stratosphere
- Stratospheric ozone variability, transport and mixing processes in the southern tropics: a French-South African observation and research network
The project will further strengthen the research collaboration between participating countries in order to understand the aerosol and cloud characteristics in the sub-tropical Southern hemisphere. Globally, the sub-tropical Southern Hemisphere region is the least understood due to the lack of ground based remote sensing instruments.
The proposed project involves the participation and training of Ph.D and Master degree students as well as collaborations between South Africa and France (Reunion). In addition to human capital development and student/research exchange between the countries, a research network and a number of joint research publications (see the existing list) have also been planned. Already, there is an existing student exchange between Reunion and South Africa.
The annual workshop/conference/seminars are planned to discuss the obtained research results and strengthen the research focus. Further to it, there is a plan for video conference (which is cost effective) and run for yearly once which fulfil the gap in mutual contact over a year period.
The participating researchers in South Africa and France are highly qualified and well known to the research community. This is substantiated by their publication records and involvement in different projects (see detailed CV)
The project will also result in a better understanding of global climate change, atmosphere pollution, ozone and water vapour variability, etc. This area of research has received specific mention in DST ? South Africa?s 10 Year innovation plans, as one of the five grand challenges facing the South African research community. Further, stratosphere scientific themes, such as middle atmosphere dynamics, stratosphere ozone and transport mechanism falls under the umbrella of space physics initiatives. Thereby, there is no doubt that the project makes a significant contribution towards the development of the second economy.