Departments

The Institute is methodically organised into six departments, whereby all departments work together and synergistically on the Institute's content-related and programmatic topics. Some of the departments include research groups. These are set up at the institute to emphasise particularly important topics and/or to promote young researchers.

Earth System Modelling for Aeronatics, Space, Transport and Energy (ESM)

The department “Earth System Modelling” investigates the movement and chemical composition of atmospheric air and the associated energy and mass fluxes with the help of numerical simulation and appropriate observation data. The department has currently three main working areas: climate modelling, process modelling, and the information technology administration.

Earth System Model Evaluation and Analysis (EVA)

The department develops innovative methods for the evaluation and analysis of Earth system models in comparison to observations with the aim of better understand and project the Earth system. The evaluation and ensemble analysis of Earth system models is crucial for model improvements and a prerequisite for reliable climate projections of the 21st century to be used as guide-lines for climate policy.

Atmospheric Trace Species (ATS)

Trace gases and aerosols play a key role in atmospheric physics and chemistry via homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions, phase transitions, and interaction with radiation. The department investigates the distribution of trace species in the atmosphere and the processes involved.

Cloud Physics (WOL)

Despite their relevance for climate, some physical processes on clouds and their effects on the composition of the atmosphere and its radiation budget remain unresolved. Large uncertainties in today’s climate assessments are linked to the comprehensive characterization of clouds, their variability and their impact on the humidity and trace gas distribution of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS).

Applied Meteorology (MET)

The department's research focuses on thunderstorms, wake vortices, noise, wind energy, gravity waves and turbulence. It is aiming at the understanding and prediction of the relevant dynamical processes in the atmospheric boundary layer and in the upper atmosphere on one hand.

Lidar (LID)

The Lidar department develops ground-based, airborne and spaceborne lidar systems and applies them for active remote sensing of key meteorological parameters and atmospheric trace gases to facilitate research in weather and climate.