The Impact of Atmospheric Synoptic Weather Condition and Long-Range Transportation of Air Mass on Extreme PM<sub>10</sub> Concentration Events

Atmospheric synoptic weather patterns have a significant impact on the concentration, dispersion, and transportation of air pollution in various regions and times around the world. To assess the impact of atmospheric synoptic weather patterns and long-range air mass transportation, we used weather c...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hsin-Chih Lai, Yu-Tung Dai, Simon William Mkasimongwa, Min-Chuan Hsiao, Li-Wei Lai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-02-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/14/2/406
Description
Summary:Atmospheric synoptic weather patterns have a significant impact on the concentration, dispersion, and transportation of air pollution in various regions and times around the world. To assess the impact of atmospheric synoptic weather patterns and long-range air mass transportation, we used weather classification techniques from the BP training model and the HYSPLIT model. Our research uncovered four weather conditions linked to PM<sub>10</sub> concentration categories ranging from normal to extreme. Weather conditions 3 and 4 are the most significant conditions supporting the occurrence of extreme concentration events that are heavily influenced by anti-cyclones. Despite weather conditions influencing high concentrations, 60% of long-distance air mass transport to Secunda from Mpumalanga province increased to extreme PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations. Furthermore, long-term weather shifts have been observed to positively impact reducing the concentration of PM<sub>10</sub> extreme events.
ISSN:2073-4433