The Sun and Sun-Earth Interactions: The effects of the sun's variability are evident in a variety of physical and chemical processes in the upper layers of the earth's atmosphere. Our research seeks to understand the processes determining this variability and range from solar evolution and the sun's cycles to the interaction of the solar outputs on the earth's environment. Studies of the man-made effects in the upper atmosphere (where they are frequently much larger than in the lower atmosphere) provide information on the size and scope of anthropogenic impacts at lower levels in the atmosphere. Studies of the downward transport of solar variability effects through the atmosphere provide a basis for understanding the relative importance of solar and anthropogenic variability effects on global changes to our environment. The following links take you to the websites of the programs involved in this research:

High Altitude Observatory

Environmental and Societal Impacts

Atmospheric Chemistry