Ritika Shukla

University of Leicester

Project

Towards improved weather forecasting via IASI satellite observations of carbon dioxide

Supervisors

  • Dr. Jeremy Harrison
  • Prof. John Remedios
  • Dr. David Moore
  • Dr. Stephan Havemann

PhD Summary

This project uses an Earth observation space instrument known as the infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer (IASI) on-board the MetOp series of satellites. IASI can detect many atmospheric trace gases, such as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The new spectroscopic measurements of carbon dioxide obtained in this project, coupled with fast radiative transfer models, will provide improvements in the atmospheric quantities required for weather forecasting, such as temperature profiles and cloud properties, as well as improving the observations of trace gases detrimental to air quality.

Previous activity

I completed my undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering and then went on to work in industry for 5 years, mainly to try and figure out what I wanted to specialise in.

Why did you choose doctoral research?

Once I started working within the satellite industry, I knew that was the area I wanted to focus on. After realising the importance of using satellite technology to help with environmental studies, I decided to apply for a Doctoral Research project working with the natural world.

Why did you choose CENTA?

I wanted to work on a satellite-based project within Earth observation sciences and found that CENTA was one of the best DTPs to offer these types of projects. CENTA also has a strong training programme which focuses on developing a researcher in many areas, which was another important aspect for me when applying for a PhD studentship.

Future plans

I have wanted to make a transition into using satellite observations to aid in environmental studies, so studying at the University of Leicester and undertaking this CENTA PhD project would allow me to achieve my future goals.