Rich’s research focuses on the distribution and partitioning of solar radiation in the boundary layer and at the Earth’s surface and the exchange of the radiation and other energy and mass between the atmosphere and vegetation canopies. Changes in stratospheric ozone, aerosols, and clouds result in variations in photosynthetically-active and ultraviolet radiation reaching biological organisms above and in canopies. Changes in land use and community composition affect the energy and mass exchanges between the canopies and the atmosphere. These changes have both short and long term impacts on ecosystem health and vigor. Much of his research involves the interface between the atmospheric environment and the plant and animal physiological response.

Selected publications:

Grant, R. H. and G. M. Heisler. 2006. Effect of cloud cover on UVB exposure under tree canopies: will climate change affect UVB exposure? Photochemistry and Photobiology 82: 487-494.

Grant, R. H. and J. R. Slusser. 2005. High UVB exposures in the continental USA: towards realistic short term exposure regimes for plant effects research. Photochemistry and Photobiology 81: 1038-1046

Grant, R. H. and J. R. Slusser. 2005. Estimation of ultraviolet-A irradiance from measurements of 368-nm spectral irradiance. Journal of Atmospheric & Oceanic Technology 22: 2853-2863.

Grant, R. H., K. Apostol, and W. Gao. 2005. Biologically effective UV-B exposures of an oak-hickory forest understory during leafout. Agricultural Forest Meteorology 132: 28-43.

Heisler, G. M., R. H. Grant, W. Gao, and J. R. Slusser. 2004. Solar ultraviolet-B radiation in urban environments: The case of Baltimore. Maryland. Photochemistry and Photobiology 80: 422-428.