Northeastern Forest Fire Pollution Episode: August, 1995
Proposed 10/2/98 by: Rich Poirot, Al Leston, Cliff Michaelsen
Analysis of spatial, temporal and/or compositional patterns during short-term "episode" periods can provide useful insights on the influences of emissions, atmospheric chemistry and meteorology on concentrations of fine particles and related pollutants. Episodes of high, low, or "unusual" pollutant concentrations can be driven by extreme variations in:
- Meteorology (such as during prolonged local stagnation or transport), and/or
- Emissions (such as from large accidental releases or natural events).
8/95 "Smoke" Episode Analysis In-Progress
A current exploratory analysis project is focused on regional impacts in Northern New England and Atlantic Canada of temporarily high emissions from a Forest Fire (or fires) during late August, 1995 (see Preliminary Results). Impacts are most evident in the short-term spatial, temporal and/or compositional patterns of PM-2.5 (mass & composition), PM-10, VOCs, CO, NOx and gaseous Mercury during the period August 20-23, 1995.
Data Sets employed (so far) include:
- Integrated North American PM-2.5 Mass data (PMFine Analysis Website),
- Integrated North Am. PM-2.5 Composition data (PMFine Analysis Website),
- PM-10, CO, NOx, PAMS, surface meteorology (AIRS),
- "Visible" Satellite Images (NARSTO-NE Data Archive),
- Nested Grid Model (NGM) synoptic meteorological data (NOAA READY)
Analysis Tools Employed (so far) include:
- AIRS/Voyager Data Delivery System,
- Voyager, Movie,
- MS Excel Spreadsheet,
- Paint Shop Pro, PSP Animation Shop,
- VOCDAT,
- NOAA HY-SPLIT Model,
- CAPITA Monte Carlo Model
Investigators Seek Feedback: