Mission

Atmosphere fosters research and innovation targeting the dynamics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere, its physical and chemical composition, and the interdependent impacts that these have on the Earth’s radiative balance, air quality, and weather.

Overview

NASA Atmosphere collectively supports innovative research of the Earth's atmospheric processes. Atmosphere examines ozone-controlling mechanisms in the upper troposphere and stratosphere through comprehensive observations from satellites, aircraft, ground networks, and laboratories, directly supporting international ozone depletion assessments mandated by the Montreal Protocol. Atmosphere also focuses on global tropospheric trace gases and aerosols, developing integrated observing systems that utilize coupled chemical and meteorological models with multi-platform observations to enhance understanding of air quality and long-term trends. In addition, Atmosphere investigates how atmospheric gases, particles, and clouds interact with solar and terrestrial radiation, particularly regarding radiative variability and long-term trends, while simultaneously advancing radiative transfer theory and measurement capabilities. 

Atmosphere likewise supports research to obtain and understand measurements of thermodynamic and dynamic state to understand and predict processes and weather events that impact the atmosphere over short-term, subseasonal, and seasonal periods at local, regional, and global scales. Finally, Atmosphere supports research that serves as an integrative force, using observations and models that bridge composition and dynamics to synthesize work across all atmospheric research efforts. NASA Atmosphere also engages in work that collaborates with other elements across the research Spheres, within NASA Earth Science (Earth Action, Data Systems, and Technology) and beyond (i.e., interagency and cross-agency efforts). 

Contacts

Ed Nowottnick 
Atmosphere Program Manager (GSFC Detailee) 
Radiation Science Research 
Contact | Bio

Emma Knowland 
Atmosphere Program Manager 
Tropospheric Composition Research 
Contact | Bio

John T. Sullivan 
Atmosphere and Enabling Capabilities Program Manager (GSFC Detailee) (dual role) 
Ground Networks, Calibration Labs, and Crowdsourcing, Multi-Source Integrated Observatory Program Co-Manager
Contact | Bio 

Justin Stachnik   
Atmosphere and Hydrosphere Associate Program Scientist (ASRC Contractor) (dual role) 
Atmospheric Dynamics and Precipitation Science Research 
Contact | Bio  

Ken Jucks 
Atmosphere Program Manager 
Upper Atmosphere Research 
Contact | Bio 

Will McCarty 
Atmosphere and Hydrosphere Program Manager (dual role) 
Atmospheric Dynamics and Precipitation Science Research 
Contact | Bio 

Earth Action Embed 

John Haynes 
Health and Air Quality Program Manager 
Multi-Source Integrated Observatory Program Co-Manager 
Contact