Mesoscale modeling of combined aerosol and photo-oxidant processes in the Eastern Mediterranean

[摘要] Particulate matter and photo-oxidant processes in the Eastern Mediterraneanhave been studied using the UAM-AERO mesoscale air quality model inconjunction with the NILU-CTM regional model. Meteorological data wereobtained from the RAMS prognostic meteorological model. The modeling domainincludes the eastern Mediterranean area between the Greek mainland and theisland of Crete. The modeling system is applied to study the atmosphericprocesses in three periods, i.e. 13–16 July 2000, 26–30 July 2000 and 7–14January 2001. The spatial and temporal distributions of both gaseous andparticulate matter pollutants have been extensively studied together withthe identification of major emission sources in the area. The modelingresults were compared with field data obtained in the same period. Theobjective of the current modeling work was mainly to apply the UAM-AEROmesoscale model in the eastern Mediterranean in order to assess theperformed field campaigns and determine that the applied mesoscale model isfit for this purpose. Comparison of the modeling results with measured datawas performed for a number of gaseous and aerosol species. The UAM-AEROmodel underestimates the PM₁₀ measured concentrations during summer andwinter campaigns. Discrepancies between modeled and measured data areattributed to unresolved particulate matter emissions. Particulate matter inthe area is mainly composed by sulphate, sea salt and crustal materials, andwith significant amounts of nitrate, ammonium and organics. During winterthe particulate matter and oxidant concentrations were lower than the summervalues.

[学科分类] 大气科学