PeopleFacultyJosé D. Fuentes

José D. Fuentes
Cavaliers' Distinguished Professor

Regions of Interest:
Polar, boreal forest, North America

Research:
Ozone deposition, biogenic hydrocarbons, carbon sequestration, atmospheric boundary layer

My research concerns the understanding of how physical and biological constraints influence the rates of energy and mass exchange between the biosphere (e.g., forests) and the atmospheric layer adjacent to the ground surface. This research is necessary to understand the impacts of atmospheric composition changes on both the Earth’s climate system and air quality in response to increases of transport of materials from the biosphere to the atmosphere and vice versa. My research involves several facets ranging from investigations in the laboratory where I develop and test measurement systems before their field deployment, to research in the field where the complex interactions between terrestrial surfaces and the overlying atmosphere are studied employing state-of-the-science observing systems. As a micrometeorologist, I study the layer of the atmosphere where the influence of turbulence and radiative transfer are the greatest. Over the years I have effectively collaborated with atmospheric chemists and ecologists on field projects that have taken me to places such as the high Arctic, Brazil, several places in Africa, and many places in North America. Below are additional details on my core research areas.

In recent times, the atmosphere has experienced substantial changes in its composition. These changes have been manifested in the rapid, secular increases of the so-called greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and ground-level ozone –all of which can dramatically alter the energy balance of our planet. My research then seeks to understand how physical and biological constraints influence the rate of energy and mass exchange between the biosphere (e.g., forests) and the atmospheric layer adjacent to the ground surface. Within this general theme, I have accomplished laboratory and field investigations to increase our knowledge concerning the processes contributing to ozone formation and destruction close to the ground, hydrocarbon emission and processing inside and above plant canopies, and carbon sequestration by deciduous forests. The central goal of all this research is to integrate field research findings in a theoretical framework (i.e., numerical models) to develop predictive capabilities to address societally questions related to regional and global air quality and climate change. The following links provide brief descriptions of my field research projects.

Publications