“Sun Light in Atmospheric Chemistry,” a talk by Veronica Vaida, professor of chemistry, University of Colorado, will be held Thursday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. in rm. G at the UNM Conference Center located at 1634 University Blvd. Science & Society Distinguished Public Talks will host the talk, which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public.
Vaida’s research focuses on light-initiated reactions of molecules and radicals of atmospheric interest. She developed methods for the study of water by investigating water clusters (hydrated), water-air interfaces and aerosols to provide the database needed to establish the role of chemistry in aqueous environments in atmospheric chemistry and climate.
Her talk will focus on how sunlight drives atmospheric chemistry and controls Earth’s temperature and climate. The factors determining the characteristics of sunlight at a given altitude will be discussed to explain its effectiveness in driving processes relevant to climate.
Sunlight-initiated reactions of organic species in aqueous environments will be used to illustrate the basic chemistry driving the reactivity of the atmosphere in determining the temperature of the planet. The discussion will point to well-understood facts as well as to fundamental processes not yet completely understood.
Science & Society Distinguished Public Talks are co-sponsored by the Albuquerque Section of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Sigma Xi (the Scientific Research Society), the Department of Physics & Astronomy, the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering, the University Honors Program, and the Division of Continuing Education.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at February 12, 2008 11:46 AM