Research activities of the Kuopio Unit

Kuopio Unit operates in premises of the University of Eastern Finland at the Kuopio campus. The unit employs about 30 people, a third of whom belong to the Aviation and Military Weather Service group and the rest to the Atmospheric Research group.

We study, in particular, atmospheric fine particles and their effects on climate and health. The following methods are applied related to research on fine particles and climate:

• Remote sensing: We analyze satellite data on atmospheric aerosols. Furthermore, we study the impact of atmospheric particles on radiative transfer as a part of international AERONET and SolRad -Net –networks, and we develop a global UV radiation monitoring and forecasting system. Particles at different heights of the troposphere are examined with lidar measurements.
• Modeling: We analyze laboratory and field measurements using both local and global scale models. Moreover, we do applied model research on, e.g. geoengineering. The Sectional Aerosol Model (SALSA) developed at the Kuopio Unit has been integrated into several international climate models.
• Field measurements: We study aerosol-cloud interactions and cloud formation with continuous measurements at the Puijo measurement station (SMEAR IV station). Furthermore, we organize intensive measuring campaigns at Puijo and participate in international campaigns elsewhere in Finland and abroad.

Related to research on fine particles and health we study the roles of outdoor air and living on indoor air quality. Also, we develop a research method that can be used to determine the harmfulness of air pollutants in conditions simulating real life exposures. These studies are implemented in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and the National Institute for Health and Welfare.