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Research | Atmosphere
Middle and upper atmosphere
Middle and upper atmosphere research covers basically stratosphere and mesosphere studies. So far, the most fundamental subject has been the ozone layer and factors affecting it's development.
The ozone content in the polar stratosphere during spring has been observed to be very low since the mid 80'ies. The cause of the phenomenon is the man-made release of chemicals into the atmosphere that directly or indirectly destroy ozone. A consequence of this is the increased levels of ultra violet radiation at the surface of the earth, which is detrimental to vegetation and human health. The FMI is studying these aspects above the Antarctic and Arctic regions.
Ozone soudings and UV radiation measurements have been the major research methods in the past and these measurements have been done in Finland and in Antarctica. A new insight into the chemistry of the stratosphere and mesosphere will be achieved with new satellite missions with which the Finnish Meteorological Institute is involved. An important method is modelling which is done in order to study long term atmospheric prosesses and to assimilate satellite measurements.
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