Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon‑based molecules that evaporate easily at room temperature and enter the atmosphere as gases. They are emitted into the atmosphere from a wide range of natural and anthropogenic sources. Natural sources include emissions from vegetation and soils, as well as forest fires. Anthropogenic sources include, for example, fossil fuel combustion, transportation, petrochemical and industrial activities, petroleum and natural gas extraction, and the use of pesticides in agriculture.
VOCs play a central role in atmospheric chemistry, influencing ozone formation, hydrogen (H₂) and secondary organic aerosol formation, and methane lifetime, ultimately affecting air quality and climate. However, VOCs remain a major challenge to represent in global atmospheric chemistry models.
A new paper published by HYWAY project partners, with HYDRA partner Lancaster University as co-authors, lays the scientific foundations for VOCMIP, a coordinated, multi‑model intercomparison aimed at identifying the strengths and weaknesses in how VOCs are simulated across different global models, with critical evaluation against satellite and in-situ measurements.
This initiative will improve understanding of how VOC chemistry influences air quality and climate-relevant indicators on regional and global scales. To date, 11 international research groups have already joined the VOCMIP initiative, but more are welcome!
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Strengthening HYDRA networking through VOCMIP
The VOCMIP study will provide a valuable opportunity to improve understanding of the dominant source of hydrogen in the atmosphere from oxidation of VOC. Lancaster researchers will contribute results from their tropospheric chemical transport model, and will work with partners in HYWAY to improve scientific understanding of both the global distribution of key VOC species and their influence on atmospheric hydrogen.
This publication marks an important milestone for HYDRA, underlining its role within a broader ecosystem of cutting‑edge international research and reinforcing its commitment to scientific excellence and collaboration.
