1. Extreme ozone episodes in a major Mediterranean urban area.
- Author
-
Massagué, Jordi, Torre-Pascual, Eduardo, Carnerero, Cristina, Escudero, Miguel, Alastuey, Andrés, Pandolfi, Marco, Querol, Xavier, and Gangoiti, Gotzon
- Subjects
OZONE ,AIR masses ,SEA breeze ,HIGH temperatures ,OZONE layer ,DATA modeling - Abstract
This study analysed three extreme ozone (O
3 ) episodes that occurred in Barcelona (NE Spain) during the summers of 2015, 2018, and 2019. These episodes were the only instances since at least the year 2000 when the EU's hourly information threshold (180 µg·m−3 ) was exceeded in the city. Understanding the phenomenology of these episodes is crucial owing to Barcelona's large population. Using experimental data and diverse modelling tools, the main objective was to elucidate the underlying phenomena of recent extreme O3 episodes, identify shared patterns and improve future predictions. The results revealed a complex interplay of factors contributing to the episodes, including (i) initial regional O3 accumulation, (ii) the potential impact of Tramontana winds on O3 transport into the western Mediterranean basin, (iii) O3 accumulation via vertical recirculation and horizontal circulation of the local pollution plume in a weakened sea breeze regime, (iv) convergence of polluted air masses from multiple sources, (v) calm upper layer winds, (vi) the weekend effect, and (vii) abnormally high temperatures. Some of these factors, which may manifest in the days preceding the episodes, are readily observable or can be anticipated. Consequently, the findings of this study enhance the understanding of the mechanisms driving these extreme O3 episodes and provide valuable insights for their prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF