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The Cohen group is interested in the atmospheric chemistry as it relates to climate and air quality. We use a combination of laboratory experiments and measurements from ground based, airborne and satellite based instruments along with modeling to study the chemical and transport processes affecting water, ozone and aerosol. We are particularly interested in the atmospheric nitrogen cycle with recent studies on emissions from the biosphere, chemistry within the atmosphere and deposition to the earth’s surface. Nitrogen oxides exert strong control over the partitioning of hydrogen radicals affecting oxidative rates and production of ozone. Their reactions also are important in determining the extent of aerosol formation during oxidation of organic molecules. We are also interested in understanding the water cycle in the present atmosphere and paleo-climatic indicators of the water cycle and of temperature. We study the chemical, physical and biological mechanisms responsible for setting the water isotope ratio in the atmosphere, clouds and in precipitation. |