The IMKASF
The Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research Atmospheric Trace Gases and Remote Sensing (IMKASF) investigates dynamic, microphysical and chemical processes in the Earth’s atmosphere, with the goal to understand, quantify and predict its natural variability and long-term changes.
Accurate measurements of atmospheric trace gases, aerosols and clouds from various observational platforms (ground-based stations, air craft, balloons, satellites) provide the data that are required for the modelling of atmospheric processes.
Particular focus of the activities of IMKASF is to investigate the complex links and feedbacks between climate change, dynamics and transport, and atmospheric chemistry.
The frequency of wildfires increase due to global warming, but wildfires can also impact climate when aerosols are emitted high up into the atmosphere. An international team of authors including members of our Institute has shown that there are two pathways for these stratospheric intrusions; both were active during the exceptionally vigorous 2023 Canadian wildfires.
Link to the paper
Dr. Andreas Bartenschlager successfully defended his PhD titled "The Influence of Strong Stellar Particle Events and Galactic Cosmic Rays on Exoplanetary Atmospheres" on November 7, 2025.
In our new project „WOW - a World model of Our World“ we will have five years to study how AI can help us understand and predict connections in the Earth system based on observations. At IMKASF Peer Nowack (project lead) and Jan Cermak will be involved, together with other KIT scientists from meteorology and computer science.
to press release