Title:
Improving model representation of mineral dust aerosol in the Arctic
Agreement Number:
25HAWCDUST
Agreement Value:
$90,000.00
Agreement Date:
Nov 19, 2025 - Nov 19, 2028
Description:
This project will improve how mineral dust aerosol (MDA) is represented in models in the Arctic region. MDA’s are ice nucleating particles critical to the glaciation of warm and mixed-phase clouds, and cold cloud formation. Cloud phase (liquid vs. ice) strongly impacts how visible and infrared radiation from the Sun and Earth, respectively, transfers in the atmosphere, which in turn strongly impacts the climate effects of clouds (warming vs. cooling). The objectives of this
project are to improve the emission of MDA in the Arctic region in a chemistry-transport model (GEOS-Chem) and a climate model (CanAM). The climate impact of the changes will be evaluated in terms of the direct radiative effect, and model outputs will be compared to PONEX/EarthCARE observations and other model simulations in the Arctic region, at the high spatial resolution required for this complex region.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA B3H 3C3
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q3-00015
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
Saint Mary’s University
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.