Analysis of an intense O<sub>3</sub> pollution episode on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula using photochemical modeling: characterization of transport pathways and accumulation processes

<p>A tropospheric O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span> pollution episode over the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula during 2–6 August 2018 has been analyzed. The episode was characterized by a permanent wind shear throughout the entire peri...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: E. Torre-Pascual, G. Gangoiti, A. Rodríguez-García, E. Sáez de Cámara, J. Ferreira, C. Gama, M. C. Gómez, I. Zuazo, J. A. García, M. de Blas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2024-04-01
Series:Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Online Access:https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/24/4305/2024/acp-24-4305-2024.pdf
Description
Summary:<p>A tropospheric O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span> pollution episode over the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula during 2–6 August 2018 has been analyzed. The episode was characterized by a permanent wind shear throughout the entire period, making the observed ozone surface distribution especially difficult to explain. A new methodology is described to analyze upper-level atmospheric parameters, such as temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span> concentrations, added to the traditional use of surface parameters, using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) models as well as available surface and upper-air observations. Results indicate that the episode was characterized by a first phase of a sudden increase in O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span> concentrations produced by fumigation and inter-regional transport processes within the Iberian Peninsula, followed by continental O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span> transport from Europe to the Atlantic coast. An Atlantic front produced the dissipation of the episode, generating an “ozone front” accompanying the cold front passage across the region.</p>
ISSN:1680-7316
1680-7324