Our research seeks to identify and understand important chemical and physical processes in planetary atmospheres, how they have evolved, and how they may evolve (due to climate change, for example).  We use a combination of numerical modelling and analysis of spacecraft, astronomical, and field observations to study the atmospheres of Venus and the Earth.  We are part of the European Space Agency’s Venus Express spacecraft team and have collaborations with researchers at CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, and other laboratories throughout the world. 

Summer projects and vacation scholarships are available for students completing years 2 or 3.  Projects could also be done as Independent Research in Semester 1 of 2009 by year 2 or 3 students.  All lead into Honours research.  Projects are appropriate for or can be tailored to students from applied mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, or physics. 

Model and analyse selected aspects of Venus’ atmospheric chemistry. 

(a) Calculate the diurnal variation of O3 in Venus' atmosphere. 

(b) Determine the nitrogen oxide chemistry that should be added to the existing photochemical model and incorporate it into the model. 

(c) Compare and evaluate published laboratory measurements of the vapour pressure and optical constants of sulphuric acid. 

(d) Estimate the rate at which sulphuric acid is transported upward from the primary production layer.

Required background: calculus (to at least the standard of MATH 1013+1014) and secondary school chemistry and physics or agreement from Dr Mills. 

Desired background: At least one of the following--physics (PHYS1101+1201), chemistry (CHEM1101+1201), astronomy (ASTR1001), earth/environmental science (EMSC1006+2015), programming experience (COMP1100), or agreement from Dr Mills. 

Characterise the optical properties of Australian aerosols by fitting multispectral observations from instruments operated by CSIRO, the BoM, and NASA.  Estimate the impact of the aerosols on surface UV radiation through model calculations based on the inferred optical properties. 

Required background: calculus (to at least the standard of MATH 1013+1014) and secondary school chemistry and physics or agreement from Dr Mills. 

Desired background: At least one of the following--physics (PHYS1101+1201), chemistry (CHEM1101+1201), environmental science (EMSC1006+SRES3013), programming experience (COMP1100), or agreement from Dr Mills. 

For further information please contact Dr Frank Mills