Case study relating high ground level ozone to enhanced photochemistry and isentropic transport from the stratosphere

Journal Article · Sat Jun 20 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC086iC06p05231· OSTI ID:6291222

Haagenson, P; Shapiro, M A; Middleton, P; Laird, A R

Exceptionally high ozone ground level concentrations (>200 ppb) observed in Denver, Colorado, on the afternoon of March 4, 1978, are explained in terms of enhanced photochemistry combined with isentropic transport of ozone from the stratosphere. The maximum ozone concentrations observed on March 4 is the highest recorded for the 1975--1978 period. Inspection of the local pullutant and meterological data shows high early morning accumulation of precursor gases and enhanced potential for afternoon photochemical activity. Objective cross-sectional analysis and trajectories on isentropic surfaces indicate that some air parcels that mixed into the boundary layer over the city on the afternoon of March 4 were derived from a stratospheric intrusion 3 days earlier. It is concluded that a combination of these factors resulted in the exceptionally high ozone concentrations.

• Research Organization: National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado 80302
• OSTI ID: 6291222
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Vol. 86:C6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
OZONE
ABUNDANCE
SURFACE AIR
AIR POLLUTION
BOUNDARY LAYERS
COLORADO
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
QUANTITY RATIO
STRATOSPHERE
WIND
AIR
CHEMISTRY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
FLUIDS
GASES
LAYERS
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
USA
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)