The Institute of Atmospheric Physics

From ground to the thermosphere
View through all layers of the Earth’s atmosphere, including aurora borealis as seen from the research aircraft HALO during a flight in the Arctic.

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IPA) at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) conducts research into the physics and chemistry of the global atmosphere from the ground up to 120 kilometres altitude. It was founded on 1 July 1962 and has about 240 employees (as of April 2024).

Living science - Working at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics

Living science - Working at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics

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Living science - Working at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics

Excellence in theory and practice

The DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IPA) researches the physics and chemistry of the global atmosphere from the ground up to an altitude of approximately 110 kilometres. The institute addresses issues relevant to the DLR relating to the atmosphere in the research programmes for aeronautics, space, transport and energy. To this end, the institute covers a broad spectrum of methods ranging from sensor development, observations on different spatial scales (local to global) and from different carriers (aircraft, satellites), analysis, theory formation and numerical modelling. It increasingly uses artificial intelligence methods in many areas of application and is tapping into the potential of quantum computing for atmospheric research. In addition to achieving excellent and internationally competitive research results and technological developments, the aim of this work is to exchange knowledge with public stakeholders such as the federal government and authorities, as well as with international organisations such as the United Nations and the WMO. The institute's work also aims to transfer technology to the German and European economies in order to contribute to their competitiveness. This makes the IPA a competent point of contact for all atmosphere-related questions for DLR, society, industry and public stakeholders.

Main research topics

  • Dynamics of the atmosphere
  • Climate-relevant trace gases
  • Atmospheric aerosol
  • Physics of clouds
  • Atmosphere and (air) transportation
  • Middle atmosphere

These topics are studied comprehensively by six departments, which play a leading role in many projects and programmes. The international and interdisciplinary networking within the institute, with other DLR institutes and with research groups worldwide is the basis for the successful work at the institute.

Departments

Earth System Modelling for Aeronautics, Space, Transport and Energy (ESM)

The department “Earth System Modelling” investigates the movement and chemical composition of atmospheric air and the associated energy and mass fluxes with the help of numerical simulation and appropriate observation data. The department has currently three main working areas: climate modelling, process modelling, and the information technology administration.

Earth System Model Evaluation and Analysis (EVA)

The department Earth System Model Evaluation and Analysis focuses on three main research topics: the development and application of machine learning (ML) techniques in combination with Earth observations to improve Earth system models (ESMs). the development of the Earth System Model Evaluation Tool (ESMValTool), which drives the evaluation of Earth system models against Earth observations, and the exploration and testing of quantum computing as an emerging technology for Earth system modelling.

Atmospheric Trace Species (ATS)

Trace gases and aerosols play a key role in atmospheric physics and chemistry via homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions, phase transitions, and interaction with radiation. The department investigates the distribution of trace species in the atmosphere and the processes involved.

Cloud Physics (WOL)

Despite their relevance for climate, some physical processes on clouds and their effects on the composition of the atmosphere and its radiation budget remain unresolved. Large uncertainties in today’s climate assessments are linked to the comprehensive characterization of clouds, their variability and their impact on the humidity and trace gas distribution of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS).

Applied Meteorology (MET)

The department's research focuses on thunderstorms, wake vortices, noise, wind energy, gravity waves and turbulence. It is aiming at the understanding and prediction of the relevant dynamical processes in the atmospheric boundary layer and in the upper atmosphere on one hand.

Lidar (LID)

The Lidar department develops ground-based, airborne and spaceborne lidar systems and applies them for active remote sensing of key meteorological parameters and atmospheric trace gases to facilitate research in weather and climate.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Markus Rapp

Director
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Münchener Straße 20, 82234 Oberpfaffenhofen