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World Class Research

Addressing issues of relevance to the global community Read more

Field Studies

Real world measurements in the atmosphere - unique environments Read more

Laboratory Studies

Furthering our knowledge about important chemical and physical processes Read more

Atmospheric Modeling

Putting it all together for current and future predictions Read more

Collaborative Opportunities

Working with industry, government and academic researchers to increase our knowledge Read more

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The Centre for Atmospheric Chemistry (CAC) was established at York University in 1985. Since its inception, its mandate has been:         

  • To provide a forum for collaborative research in atmospheric chemistry at York University.
  • To provide a link to the wider atmospheric chemistry research community in Canada and abroad.
  • To educate the next generation of atmospheric chemists.

Members of the Centre, including core faculty, adjunct faculty, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduates, conduct fundamental and applied research in the laboratory and in the real atmosphere.  Atmospheric chemistry is an exciting and challenging field of research that deals with the chemistry of our atmosphere, including sources, sinks, transport and physical & chemical transformations in solid, liquid and gas phases.  It is an interdisciplinary field that requires knowledge in the core sciences; chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology as well as other sciences; meteorology, geochemistry, and oceanography.   Enabling fields include analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and computational chemistry. Areas of policy and research interest in atmospheric chemistry include urban, regional and global oxidant formation, aerosol formation, photochemical smog, acid precipitation, stratospheric ozone depletion, global & regional atmospheric change, arctic pollution and airborne toxic chemicals.

Think you have what it takes and want to join us?  

 

CAC Events & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Aging of secondary organic aerosol formed from the photo-oxidation of beta-pinene

Description: Large quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the atmosphere from vegetation globally. In the troposphere biogenic VOCs, such as beta-pinene, undergo photo-oxidation with hydroxyl radicals and ozone...

19 Jan 2012 Hits:118 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Talks 2011-2012

Informal Lunch-time Atmospheric Chemistry Discussion Series2011/12 Tuesdays, Noon to 1:00 PM - Schedule  Jan. 31/2011 Mehrnaz Sarrafzadeh Aging of secondary organic aerosol formed from the photo-oxidation of beta-pinene Sept. 27/11 Dr. Paul Makar, Senior Research Scientist,...

08 Dec 2011 Hits:11224 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Measurement of refractory and non refractory particulate chloride using a HR-TOF-AMS: Observation of “non” sea salt chloride and its correlation with nitryl chloride

Description: Atmospheric aerosols have an impact on human health, climate change and visibility. A high resolution Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-AMS) was deployed onboard the research vessel Atlantis during the CalNex...

07 Dec 2011 Hits:2666 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Nocturnal measurements of HONO by differential optical absorption spectroscopy

Description:  Differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) was used to quantify the concentration of HONO, NO2 and SO2 in the nocturnal urban atmosphere at York University over a period of one year....

11 Nov 2011 Hits:4688 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Stable carbon isotope composition of ambient VOC

Description:  Stable Carbon Isotopic Composition measurements can provide valuable information about air processing in the atmosphere. It can not only be used to distinguish physical processes such as dilution and mixing...

27 Oct 2011 Hits:4723 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract: Evolution and resolution of an unknown contaminant

Description:  Ongoing research has been conducted to detect and quantify nitrophenols found in particulate matter. Ambient nitrophenols are collected onto quartz filters using a high volume sampler, and are then extracted...

20 Oct 2011 Hits:4687 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract: LC-MS/MS analysis of heterogeneous interactions of environmental contaminants

Description:  Regulations are becoming increasingly stringent towards pesticide residues in food or in the environment.   Similarly the distribution and fate of chemical contaminants in the environment is a recognized concern.  Understanding...

05 Oct 2011 Hits:4974 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - HONO measurements in combination with 1-dimensional modelling

Description:  The Long Path Absorption Photometer (LOPAP) is an in-situ, wet chemical sampling technique used for measuring nitrous acid (HONO) in the troposphere.  The instrument quantitatively strips HONO out of the air using...

27 Sep 2011 Hits:9093 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract: Two short talks on modelling developments at Environment Canada

Dr. Paul Makar will present two topics from his collaborations with EC researchers, both from recent conference presentations. Description:   (1)  Comparisons between AURAMS and CMAQ in the Pacific Northwest (from the 2011...

20 Sep 2011 Hits:5157 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Biogeochemistry - how the movement of chemicals through the boreal environment can be used to quantify the effects of stressors

2011 Morris Katz Memorial Lecture in Environmental Research Professor Peter J. DillonEnvironmental and Resource Studies and Chemistry DepartmentsTrent University, Peterborough, ON, CanadaWednesday, June 29, 20112:30 PMSenate ChamberN940 Ross Bldg.York University4700 Keele...

16 May 2011 Hits:6917 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Further development of resonant optical cavities for the measurement of atmospheric trace gases

Description:   The factor that most constrains application of standard absorption spectroscopy techniques is, without doubt, the limits of its sensitivity. We work towards the development of spectroscopic technique known as Cavity...

25 Apr 2011 Hits:7016 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Chemistry CAC Graduate Students Research Examination

Schedule of Talks for Atmospheric ChemistryPetrie Building, Rm. 317 Guidelines for talks:  20 minutes including discussion.  Talks should be less than 15 mins.  Please check time & place for your individual...

06 Apr 2011 Hits:7605 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Investigation of the photenhanced reduction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) ...

Title:  Investigation of the photenhanced reduction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on organic films and above soils as the missing source of daytime tropospheric nitrous acid (HONO)  Description:  Recent field measurements indicating substantial...

04 Apr 2011 Hits:7147 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Investigation of hydrocarbon oxidation mechanisms using chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Description:  It is now well recognized that a wide variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the atmosphere from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources. Emission inventories of Biogenic VOC...

28 Mar 2011 Hits:7497 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - A Smog Chamber Study of the Products of Beta-Pinene Oxidation by Hydroxyl Radicals: Yield Quantification Attempt using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (APCI-MS/MS)

Description:  Beta-pinene is an important biogenic volatile organic compound (VOC). The oxidation of VOCs has been found to form semi-volatile products that have the ability to partition between the gas and...

04 Mar 2011 Hits:7404 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - A smog chamber study of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the photooxidation of beta-pinene

Description:  Large quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the atmosphere from vegetation globally. In the troposphere biogenic VOCs, such as monoterpenes (C10H16), primarily react with OH radicals during...

23 Feb 2011 Hits:7333 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Characterization of an ion-trap time of flight mass spectrometer to monitor the OH-radical initiated oxidation of isoprene

Description:  To predict air quality and to properly establish ozone control strategies, one needs a complete understanding of the isoprene oxidation reaction’s kinetics and mechanisms, along with other products and particulate...

28 Jan 2011 Hits:7743 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Aerosol Measurement and Characterization Using a HR-TOF-AMS on the Atlantis Research Vessel during Calnex 2010

Description:  This talk will offer an overview of the CalNex field campaign, location of the study, instruments deployed and scientific objectives, with a special focus on the research vessel Atlantis. We...

24 Jan 2011 Hits:7512 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - 13C/12C Isotopic Constraints on Inter-Continental Transport of Fossil Fuel CO2 & BC Aerosols and Source Region Inferring

Description  (see attached for description) INFORMAL WEEKLY CAC LUNCH-TIME ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY DISCUSSION SERIES Speaker:  Dr. Lin Haung, Environment CanadaDate:  January 11, 2011Time:  Noon - 1 pm.Place:  Petrie, Room 258 BRING YOUR LUNCH AND TEA/COFFEE MUG  

06 Jan 2011 Hits:8398 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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Current Abstract - Night-time Measurements of HONO, NO2, SO2 using Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy and NO3 via Lunar-DOAS

Description:  Differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) is a spectroscopic technique which is used to measure trace gas concentrations of various gases in the lower troposphere. DOAS is based on quantifying the...

22 Nov 2010 Hits:8188 CAC Seminars & Lectures

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CAC News, Publications & Announcements

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Determination of tropospheric vertical columns of NO2 and aerosol optical properties in a rural setting using MAX-DOAS

Authors:  Halla, J. D., Wagner, T., Beirle, S., Brook, J. R., Hayden, K. L., O'Brien, J. M., Ng, A., Majonis, D., Wenig, M. O., and McLaren, R. Journal:  Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Date:  December 2011 Abstract: Multi-AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements were performed in a rural location of...

19 Jan 2012 Journal Publications

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Inversion of tropospheric profiles of aerosol extinction and HCHO and NO2 mixing ratios from MAX-DOAS observations in Milano during the summer of 2003 and comparison with independent data sets

Authors:  Wagner, T., Beirle, S., Brauers, T., Deutschmann, T., Frieß, U., Hak, C., Halla, J. D., Heue, K. P., Junkermann, W., Li, X., Platt, U., and Pundt-Gruber, I Journal:  Atmospheric Measurement Techniques Date:  December 2011 Abstract:  We present aerosol and trace gas profiles derived from MAX-DOAS observations. Our inversion...

19 Jan 2012 Journal Publications

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Rob McLaren is currently participating in the NOAA led Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS), Jan 15 - Mar 01, 2012

Rob McLaren is currently participating in the NOAA led Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS), Jan 15 - Mar 01, 2012

Rob McLaren is currently participating in the NOAA led Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS), Jan 15 - Mar 01, 2012. This field study is taking place in the Uintah...

19 Jan 2012 CAC News & Announcements

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Comparison of MAX-DOAS/radiative transfer, aircraft and satellite measurements of the Vertical column density of NO2 at Ridgetown during the BAQS-Met field study

Comparison of MAX-DOAS/radiative transfer, aircraft and satellite measurements of the Vertical column density of NO2 at Ridgetown during the BAQS-Met field study

Jamie Halla was first author on a publication (below) that just appeared in the BAQS-Met Special Issue in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.  The publication outlines a comparison of MAX-DOAS/radiative transfer,...

14 Dec 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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AGU Conference San Francisco Dec. 4-9, 2011

AGU Conference San Francisco Dec. 4-9, 2011

CAC group members, Ibraheem Nuaaman, Patryk Wojtal and Rob McLaren were amongst the 21,500 attendeess at the American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco Dec 04-09, 2011.  The following talks...

14 Dec 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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A survey of NO2:SO2 emission ratios measured in marine vessel plumes in the Strait of Georgia

A survey of NO2:SO2 emission ratios measured in marine vessel plumes in the Strait of Georgia

Authors: Robert McLaren, Patryk Wojtal, Jamie D. Halla, Criss Mihele, Jeffrey R. Book Journal: Atmospheric Environment Date: October 2011 Abstract:  We report nocturnal measurements of NO2 and SO2 by DOAS within marine vessel plumes...

29 Nov 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Method for determination of stable carbon isotope ratio of methylnitrophenols in atmospheric particulate matter

Method for determination of stable carbon isotope ratio of methylnitrophenols in atmospheric particulate matter

Authors:  S. Moukhtar, M. Saccon, A. Kornilova, S. Irei, L. Huang, and J. Rudolph Journal:  Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 4, 2453-2464 Date:  November 2011 Abstract:   A technique for the measurement of the stable isotope...

18 Nov 2011 Journal Publications

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You are invited to a Public Lecture: Mass Spectrometric Investigation of the OH induced oxidation of Isoprene using O2+ as a Chemical Ionization Reagent

FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES, Graduate Programme in Chemistry ORAL EXAMINATION PROSPECTUS Aeysha AhmadA Candidate for the Degree ofMaster of Science Title of Thesis:Mass spectrometric investigation of the OH induced oxidation of isoprene using...

17 Nov 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Professor Robert McLaren attended the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Annual meetings in Boulder, CO; Oct 3-6, 2011.

Professor Robert McLaren attended the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research  (UCAR) Annual meetings in Boulder, CO; Oct 3-6, 2011.

Rob McLaren attended the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Annual meetings in Boulder, CO; Oct 3-6, 2011.  York University is one of the few Canadian universities that is a UCAR member. For...

20 Oct 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Prof. Dr. Andreas Wahner Presents the 21st Annual Harold I. Schiff Lecture, Friday, December 2, 2011

Prof. Dr. Andreas Wahner Presents the 21st Annual Harold I. Schiff Lecture, Friday, December 2, 2011

Prof. Dr. Andreas Wahner, Institute for Energy and Climate Research - Troposphere IEK-8, Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany. Title:  Atmospheric Trace Gas Degradation and Secondary Pollutant Formation: New Insights from Process Studies.  Time &...

20 Oct 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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CAC girls run for the cure!

CAC girls run for the cure!

On October 2nd, graduate students, alumni and staff of the CAC will be participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. The Run for the Cure...

29 Sep 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Prof. Jack McConnell attended PREMIER Mission Advisory Group meeting

Prof. Jack McConnell attended PREMIER Mission Advisory Group meeting

Prof. Jack McConnell attended PREMIER (Process Exploration through Measurement of Infrared and millimetre-wave Emitted Radiation) Mission Advisory Group meeting. PREMIER (PRocess Exploration through Measurements of Infrared and millimetre-wave Emitted Radiation) is...

27 Sep 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Impact of Fuel Quality Regulation and Speed Reductions on Shipping Emissions: Implications for Climate and Air Quality

Impact of Fuel Quality Regulation and Speed Reductions on Shipping Emissions: Implications for Climate and Air Quality

Authors:  Daniel A. Lack, Christopher D. Cappa, Justin Langridge, Roya Bahreini, Gina Buffaloe, Charles Brock, Kate Ceully, Derek Coffman, Katherine Hayden, John Holloway, Brian Lerner, Paola Massoli, Shao-Meng Li, Robert...

27 Sep 2011 Journal Publications

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Stable carbon isotope ratio of secondary particulate organic matter formed by photooxidation of toluene in indoor smog chamber

Stable carbon isotope ratio of secondary particulate organic matter formed by photooxidation of toluene in indoor smog chamber

Authors:  Satoshi Irei, Donald Hastie, Lin Huang, Janeen Auld, and Jochen Rudolph. Journal:  Journal of Atmospheric Environment Date:  2011 Abstract:   Laboratory studies were conducted for stable carbon isotope ratio for secondary particulate organic...

27 Sep 2011 Journal Publications

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Mehrnaz Sarrafzadeh and Zoya Dobrusin attended the 1st Annual NSERC CREATE Summer School

Mehrnaz Sarrafzadeh and Zoya Dobrusin attended the 1st Annual NSERC CREATE Summer School

Mehrnaz Sarrafzadeh and Zoya Dobrusin, graduate students with Prof. Hastie, attended the 1st Annual NSERC CREATE Summer School in Arctic Atmospheric Science held at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, Ontario (July...

20 Jul 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Jamie Halla participated in the DOAS workshop, Mainz, Germany, 13-15 July, 2011

Jamie Halla participated in the DOAS workshop, Mainz, Germany, 13-15 July, 2011

Jamie Halla, a Phd. Graduate Student, presented: "Determination of tropospheric vertical columns of NO2 and aerosol optical properties in a rural setting using MAX-DOAS" at the DOAS Workshop which was held...

20 Jul 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Mars atmospheric chemistry from the surface to thermosphere, by Jack McConnell at NOMAD Workshop, Brussels, June 9-10, 2011

Mars atmospheric chemistry from the surface to thermosphere, by Jack McConnell at NOMAD Workshop, Brussels, June 9-10, 2011

Jack McConnell presented a talk at the NOMAD - Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery) Science working team, Brussels, June 9-10, 2011. NOMAD is one of the 5 instruments on...

11 Jul 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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Prof. Jack McConnell on The Agenda - Debate: Climate Models. He also participated in "Charette" for Climate Change and Adaptation at ACAD, May 30, 2011

Prof. Jack McConnell on The Agenda - Debate: Climate Models.  He also participated in

On May 30th, 2011, Prof. Jack McConnell participated in a workshop, "Climate Change:   A Dialogue with Stakeholders".  He presented a talk entitled "Climate change in Ontario:  Past, present and future: ...

11 Jul 2011 CAC News & Announcements

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