Terrestrial vegetation is the dominant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere. These biogenic emissions play an important role in atmospheric chemistry and climate since they are often highly reactive and can contribute to the processes that create ozone and particles in the atmosphere.

I have worked on efforts to improve our ability to predict the emissions of biogenic VOCs to the atmosphere and quantify their atmospheric effects.

I have contributed to the development of the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN; Guenther et al. 2006).   This is a global, high resolution model used to provide emission estimates of biogenic VOCs. I have helped to incorporate these emissions within the WRF-chem model.

I am also the upcoming co-Chair of the 2012 Biogenic Hydrocarbons and the Atmosphere Gordon Research Conference to be held at Bates College, Maine in June 2012.

Check out this great Video about terpenes in the atmosphere. It includes descriptions of our labs at NCAR and at a field site in Colorado.