It has been known for over a century that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane warm the planet by trapping heat. What is not as well known is that particles can cool the planet by reflecting sunlight into space and by acting as the seeds on which clouds form. Particles and clouds are also of contemporary interest because it has been suggested they might affect climate by interacting with cosmic rays or be used to manipulate the Earth’s temperature.
Cziczo's research group is interested in the interrelationship of particulate matter and cloud formation. His team utilizes laboratory and field studies to elucidate how small particles interact with water vapor to form droplets and ice crystals, which are important players in the Earth’s climate system. Experiments include using small cloud chambers in the laboratory to mimic atmospheric conditions that lead to cloud formation and observing clouds in situ from remote mountaintop sites or through the use of research aircraft.
Current specific research interests include chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols with an emphasis on their effect on cloud formation mechanisms, Earth's radiative budget, and meteoritic debris and launch vehicle emissions in the atmosphere.
Victor P. Starr Career Development Chair (2013) | NASA Group Achievement Award, MACPEX Mission (2011) | NASA Group Achievement Awards: ARCTAS Mission, (2008); CRYSTAL Mission, 2002; Galileo Ida/ Dactyl Encounter (1993) | DOE Outstanding Performance Award, ISDAC Campaign (2008) | Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2005) | CIRES Outstanding Performance Award (2004) | Sigma Gamma Tau (National Honor Society for Aerospace Engineering), 1989; University of Illinois Chapter President (1991-1992), Secretary (1990-1991)