Project Number: 18-010

Research

Title: A synthesis study of the role of mesoscale and synoptic-scale wind on the concentrations of ozone and its precursors in Houston

Institution(s) Represented: Texas A&M University - Qi Ying

Lead PI: Qi Ying

AQRP Project Manager: Elena McDonald-Buller

TCEQ Project Liaison: Jonathan Steets

Awarded Amount: $121,000.00

Abstract

While it is known that low synoptic-scale winds and mesoscale recirculation contribute to high ozone formation in Houston, a comprehensive synthesis of all relevant data and analyses to elucidate the interaction between the mesoscale and synoptic-scale winds and air pollutants is not yet available. An improved understanding of the roles of mesoscale and synoptic-scale processes would allow researchers and policy makers to distinguish between days dominated by local emissions and those dominated by regional contributions. The overall objective of this research is to synthesize existing data, previous analyses, and photochemical model experiments to provide a comprehensive and reconciled description of how mesoscale and synoptic-scale winds affects dispersion and accumulation of air pollutants emitted in the Houston area and from other regions, and how they contribute to high ozone events. The relationship between surface winds and boundary-layer mesoscale transport features will be clarified, and a novel source- and age-resolved regional air quality model will be applied to investigate selected high ozone events under the influence of mesoscale circulations. The results from this study will facilitate a better understanding of the interaction between the mesoscale and synoptic-scale winds and air pollutants and how they contribute to high ozone events in Houston. Such information is extremely useful for understanding high ozone events as they occur and for developing appropriate control strategies and policy options for the unique Texas meteorological environment.

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Research

Research

FY 2018 - 2019

Project Number: 18-010