Simulating lightning NO production in CMAQv5.2: evolution of scientific updates
<p>This work describes the lightning nitric oxide (LNO) production schemes in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. We first document the existing LNO production scheme and vertical distribution algorithm. We then describe updates that were made to the scheme originally based on m...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2019-07-01
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| Series: | Geoscientific Model Development |
| Online Access: | https://www.geosci-model-dev.net/12/3071/2019/gmd-12-3071-2019.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>This work describes the lightning nitric oxide (LNO) production schemes in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. We first document the
existing LNO production scheme and vertical distribution algorithm. We then
describe updates that were made to the scheme originally based on monthly
National Lightning Detection Network (mNLDN) observations. The updated
scheme uses hourly NLDN (hNLDN) observations. These NLDN-based schemes are
good for retrospective model applications when historical lightning data are
available. For applications when observed data are not available (i.e., air
quality forecasts and climate studies that assume similar climate
conditions), we have developed a scheme that is based on linear and
log-linear parameters derived from regression of multiyear historical NLDN
(pNLDN) observations and meteorological model simulations. Preliminary
assessment for total column LNO production reveals that the mNLDN scheme
overestimates LNO by over 40 % during summer months compared with the
updated hNLDN scheme that reflects the observed lightning activity more
faithfully in time and space. The pNLDN performance varies with year, but it
generally produced LNO columns that are comparable to hNLDN and mNLDN, and
in most cases it outperformed mNLDN. Thus, when no observed lightning data
are available, pNLDN can provide reasonable estimates of LNO emissions over
time and space for this important natural NO source that influences air
quality regulations.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 1991-959X 1991-9603 |