scholarly journals An Assessment of the Efficiency of Dust Regional Modelling to Predict Saharan Dust Transport Episodes

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. K. Papanastasiou ◽  
A. Poupkou ◽  
E. Katragkou ◽  
V. Amiridis ◽  
D. Melas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Surface Concentration ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Regional Modelling ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Dust Transport ◽  
Winter Dust

Aerosol levels at Mediterranean Basin are significantly affected by desert dust that is eroded in North Africa and is transported northwards. This study aims to assess the performance of the Dust REgional Atmospheric Model (BSC-DREAM8b) in the prediction of dust outbreaks near the surface in Eastern Mediterranean. For this purpose, model PM10 predictions covering a 7-year period and PM10 observations at five surface monitoring sites in Greece are used. A quantitative criterion is set to select the significant dust outbreaks defined as those when the predicted PM10 surface concentration exceeds 12 μg/m3. The analysis reveals that significant dust transport is usually observed for 1–3 consecutive days. Dust outbreak seasons are spring and summer, while some events are also forecasted in autumn. The seasonal variability of dust transport events is different at Finokalia, where the majority of events are observed in spring and winter. Dust contributes by 19–25% to the near surface observed PM10 levels, which can be increased to more than 50 μg/m3during dust outbreaks, inducing violations of the air quality standards. Dust regional modeling can be regarded as a useful tool for air quality managers when assessing compliance with air quality limit values.

scholarly journals The Implementation of a Mineral Dust Wet Deposition Scheme in the GOCART-AFWA Module of the WRF Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Tsarpalis ◽  
Anastasios Papadopoulos ◽  
Nikolaos Mihalopoulos ◽  
Christos Spyrou ◽  
Silas Michaelides ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wet Deposition ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Dust Transport ◽  
Wet Scavenging ◽  
Aerosol Module

The principal objective of this study is to present and evaluate an advanced dust wet deposition scheme in the Weather and Research Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). As far as the chemistry component is concerned, the Georgia Tech Goddard Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport of the Air Force Weather Agency (GOCART-AFWA) module is applied, as it supports a binary scheme for dust emissions and transport. However, the GOCART-AFWA aerosol module does not incorporate a wet scavenging scheme, nor does it interact with cloud processes. The integration of a dust wet deposition scheme following Seinfeld and Pandis into the WRF-Chem model is assessed through a case study of large-scale Saharan dust transport over the Eastern Mediterranean that is characterized by severe wet deposition over Greece. An acceptable agreement was found between the calculated and measured near surface PM10 concentrations, as well as when model estimated atmospheric optical depth (AOD) was validated against the AERONET measurements, indicating the validity of our dust wet deposition scheme.

scholarly journals Large Contribution of Coarse Mode to Aerosol Microphysical and Optical Properties: Evidence from Ground-Based Observations of a Transpacific Dust Outbreak at a High-Elevation North American Site

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 1431-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kassianov ◽  
M. Pekour ◽  
C. Flynn ◽  
L. K. Berg ◽  
J. Beranek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Large Contribution ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Dust Transport ◽  
Aerosol Mass ◽  
Coarse Mode ◽  
Median Diameter ◽  
Transpacific Transport

Abstract This work is motivated by previous studies of transatlantic transport of Saharan dust and the observed quasi-static nature of coarse mode aerosol with a volume median diameter (VMD) of approximately 3.5 μm. The authors examine coarse mode contributions from transpacific transport of dust to North American aerosol properties using a dataset collected at the high-elevation Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL) and the nearby Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mobile Facility. Collected ground-based data are complemented by quasi-global model simulations and satellite and ground-based observations. The authors identify a major dust event associated mostly with a transpacific plume (about 65% of near-surface aerosol mass) in which the coarse mode with moderate (~3 μm) VMD is distinct and contributes substantially to total aerosol volume (up to 70%) and scattering (up to 40%). The results demonstrate that the identified plume at the SPL site has a considerable fraction of supermicron particles (VMD ~3 μm) and, thus, suggest that these particles have a fairly invariant behavior despite transpacific transport. If confirmed in additional studies, this invariant behavior may simplify considerably parameterizations for size-dependent processes associated with dust transport and removal.

scholarly journals Ice nucleating particles over the Eastern Mediterranean measured by unmanned aircraft systems

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jann Schrod ◽  
Daniel Weber ◽  
Jaqueline Drücke ◽  
Christos Keleshis ◽  
Micheal Pikridas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transport Model ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Aircraft Systems

Abstract. During an intensive field campaign on aerosol, clouds and ice nucleation in the Eastern Mediterranean in April 2016, we have measured the abundance of ice nucleating particles (INP) in the lower troposphere from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Aerosol samples were collected by miniaturized electrostatic precipitators onboard the UAS at altitudes up to 2.5 km. The number of INP in these samples, which are active in the deposition and condensation modes at temperatures from −20 to −30 °C, were analyzed immediately after collection on site using the ice nucleus counter FRIDGE. During the one month campaign we encountered a series of Saharan dust plumes that traveled at several kilometers altitude. Here we present INP data from 42 individual flights, together with aerosol number concentrations, observations of lidar backscattering, dust concentrations derived by the dust transport model DREAM (Dust Regional Atmospheric Model), and results from scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the dust plumes is reflected by the coincidence of INP with the particulate mass (PM), the lidar signal and with the predicted dust mass of the model. This suggests that mineral dust or a constituent related to dust was a major contributor to the ice nucleating properties of the aerosol. Peak concentrations of above 100 INP std. l−1 were measured at −30 °C. The INP concentration in elevated plumes was on average a factor of 10 higher than at ground level. Since desert dust is transported for long distances over wide areas of the globe predominantly at several km altitude we conclude that INP measurements at ground level may be of limited significance for the situation at the level of cloud formation.

scholarly journals Dust–air pollution dynamics over the Eastern Mediterranean

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 7493-7534
Author(s):  
M. Abdelkader ◽  
S. Metzger ◽  
M. Astitha ◽  
Z. Levin ◽  
J. Lelieveld
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Tropospheric Chemistry ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Back Trajectory ◽  
Dust Deposition ◽  
Dust Transport ◽  
Frontal Systems

Abstract. Interactions of desert dust and air pollution over the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) have been studied, focusing on two distinct dust transport events on 22 and 28 September 2011. The atmospheric chemistry–climate model EMAC has been used at about 50 km grid spacing, applying an online dust emission scheme and calcium as a proxy for dust reactivity. EMAC includes a detailed tropospheric chemistry mechanism, aerosol microphysics and thermodynamics schemes to describe dust "aging". The model is evaluated using ground-based observations for aerosol concentrations and aerosol optical depth as well as satellite observations. Simulation results and back trajectory analysis show that the development of synoptic disturbances over the EM can enhance dust transport from the Sahara and Arabian deserts in frontal systems that also carry air pollution to the EM. The frontal systems are associated with precipitation that control the dust removal. Our results show the importance of chemical aging and deposition of the dust during transport. The relatively long travel periods of Saharan dust result in more sustained aging compared to Arabian dust. Sensitivity simulations indicate three times more rapid dust deposition of aged relative to pristine dust, which significantly decreases the dust lifetime and loading.

scholarly journals Dust–air pollution dynamics over the eastern Mediterranean

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (16) ◽  
pp. 9173-9189 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Abdelkader ◽  
S. Metzger ◽  
R. E. Mamouri ◽  
M. Astitha ◽  
L. Barrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Tropospheric Chemistry ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Back Trajectory ◽  
Dust Deposition ◽  
Dust Transport ◽  
Frontal Systems ◽  
Scavenging Efficiency

Abstract. Interactions of desert dust and air pollution over the eastern Mediterranean (EM) have been studied, focusing on two distinct dust transport events on 22 and 28 September 2011. The atmospheric chemistry–climate model EMAC has been used at about 50 km grid spacing, applying an online dust emission scheme and calcium as a proxy for dust reactivity. EMAC includes a detailed tropospheric chemistry mechanism, aerosol microphysics and thermodynamics schemes to describe dust "aging". The model is evaluated using ground-based observations for aerosol concentrations and aerosol optical depth (AOD) as well as satellite observations. Simulation results and back trajectory analysis show that the development of synoptic disturbances over the EM can enhance dust transport from the Sahara and Arabian deserts in frontal systems that also carry air pollution to the EM. The frontal systems are associated with precipitation that controls the dust removal. Our results show the importance of chemical aging of dust, which increases particle size, dust deposition and scavenging efficiency during transport, overall reducing the lifetime relative to non-aged dust particles. The relatively long travel periods of Saharan dust result in more sustained aging compared to Arabian dust. Sensitivity simulations indicate 3 times more dust deposition of aged relative to pristine dust, which significantly decreases the dust lifetime and loading.

scholarly journals The total solar eclipse of March 2006: overview

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (17) ◽  
pp. 5205-5220 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Gerasopoulos ◽  
C. S. Zerefos ◽  
I. Tsagouri ◽  
D. Founda ◽  
V. Amiridis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Solar Eclipse ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Thermal Fluctuations ◽  
Total Solar Eclipse ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Experimental Proof ◽  
Near Surface

Abstract. This paper provides the overview of an integrated, multi-disciplinary effort to study the effects of the 29 March 2006 total solar eclipse on the environment, with special focus on the atmosphere. The eclipse has been visible over the Eastern Mediterranean, and on this occasion several research and academic institutes organised co-ordinated experimental campaigns, at different distances from eclipse totality and at various environments in terms of air quality. Detailed results and findings are presented in a number of component scientific papers included in a Special Issue of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. The effects of the eclipse on meteorological parameters, though very clear, were shown to be controlled by local factors rather than the eclipse magnitudes, and the turbulence activity near surface was suppressed causing a decrease in the Planetary Boundary Layer. In addition to the above, the decrease in solar radiation has caused change to the photochemistry of the atmosphere, with night time chemistry dominating. The abrupt "switch off" of the sun, induced changes also in the ionosphere (140 up to 220 km) and the stratosphere. In the ionosphere, both photochemistry and dynamics resulted to changes in the reflection heights and the electron concentrations. Among the most important scientific findings from the experiments undertaken has been the experimental proof of eclipse induced thermal fluctuations in the ozone layer (Gravity Waves), due to the supersonic movement of the moon's shadow, for the first time with simultaneous measurements at three altitudes namely the troposphere, the stratosphere and the ionosphere. Within the challenging topics of the experiments has been the investigation of eclipse impacts on ecosystems (field crops and marine plankton). The rare event of a total solar eclipse provided the opportunity to evaluate 1 dimensional (1-D) and three dimensional (3-D) radiative transfer (in the atmosphere and underwater), mesoscale meteorological, regional air quality and photochemical box models, against measurements.

Regional modelling of Saharan dust and biomass-burning smoke Part I: Model description and evaluation

Tellus B ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Heinold ◽  
Ina Tegen ◽  
Kerstin Schepanski ◽  
Matthias Tesche ◽  
Michael Esselborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Model Description ◽  
Regional Modelling

VALORIZATION OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF SOUTH SERBIA FROM THE AIR QUALITY ASPECT

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1329-1333
Author(s):  
Miodrag Šmelcerović
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Pollution Sources ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Sources Of Pollution

The protection of the environment and people’s health from negative influences of the pollution of air as a medium of the environment requires constant observing of the air quality in accordance with international standards, the analysis of emission and imission of polluting matters in the air, and their connection with the sources of pollution. Having in mind the series of laws and delegated legislations which define the field of air pollution, it is necessary to closely observe these long-term processes, discovering cause-and-effect relationships between the activities of anthropogenic sources of emission of polluting matters and the level of air degradation. The relevant evaluation of the air quality of a certain area can be conducted if the level of concentration of polluting matters characteristic for the pollution sources of this area is observed in a longer period of time. The data obtained by the observation of the air pollution are the basis for creation of the recovery program of a certain area. Vranje is a town in South Serbia where there is a bigger number of anthropogenic pollution sources that can significantly diminish the air quality. The cause-and-effect relationship of the anthropogenic sources of pollution is conducted related to the analysis of systematized data which are in the relevant data base of the authorized institution The Institute of Public Health Vranje, for the time period between the year of 2012. and 2017. By the analysis of data of imission concentrations of typical polluting matters, the dominant polluting matters were determined on the territory of the town of Vranje, the ones that are the causers of the biggest air pollution and the risk for people’s health. Analysis of the concentration of soot, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides indicates their presence in the air of Vranje town area in concentrations that do not exceed the permitted limit values annually. The greatest pollution is caused by the soot content in the air, especially in the winter period when the highest number of days with the values above the limit was registered. By perceiving the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, it is clear that the concentration of polluting matters can be decreased only by establishing control over anthropogenic sources of pollution, and thus it can be contributed to the improvement of the air quality of this urban environment.

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality: Assessment of Dangerous Substances in Incense Products

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8086
Author(s):  
Gabriela Ventura Silva ◽  
Anabela O. Martins ◽  
Susana D. S. Martins
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Gaseous Emissions ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Cone Type ◽  
Guideline Values ◽  
Taking Action ◽  
At Home

Indoor air pollution has obtained more attention in a moment where “stay at home” is a maximum repeated for the entire world. It is urgent to know the sources of pollutants indoors, to improve the indoor air quality. This study presents some results obtained for twelve incense products, used indoors, at home, and in temples, but also in spa centers or yoga gymnasiums, where the respiratory intensity is high, and the consequences on health could be more severe. The focus of this study was the gaseous emissions of different types of incense, performing a VOC screening and identifying some specific VOCs different from the usual ones, which are known or suspected to cause severe chronic health effects: carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic. Thirteen compounds were selected: benzene, toluene, styrene, naphthalene, furfural, furan, isoprene, 2-butenal, phenol, 2-furyl methyl ketone, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. The study also indicated that incense cone type shows a higher probability of being more pollutant than incense stick type, as from the 12 products tested, four were cone type, and three of them were in the group of the four higher polluters. Benzene and formaldehyde presented worrying levels in the major part of the products, above guideline values established by the WHO. Unfortunately, there are no limit values established for indoor air for all the compounds studied, but this fact should not exempt us from taking action to alert the population to the potential dangers of using those products. From this study, acetaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, and furan emerge as compounds with levels to deserve attention.

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