An analytical investigation of a sequence of unusual springtime ozone episodes over metropolitan Taichung in 2007

Abstract

This study investigated the potential factors contributing to a series of ozone (O3) episodes in the Taichung metropolis, which occurred during the first half of May 2007. Surface data of the meteorological parameters and air pollutant concentrations, supported by Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration, and vertical data monitored via tethersonde sampling were analysed. The analyses showed that local anthropogenic activities and physical factors such as the sea–air interaction were not the main factors contributing to the O3 events. Excluding these potential causes, the results suggest that, during the aforementioned period, the stronger Mainland High and Pacific Low may have been responsible for the long-range transport of large quantities of O3 from Mainland China to Taiwan. Furthermore, O3 photochemical activity also played an important role in the O3 episodes. The faster consumption of NO lead to a more rapid increase in the O3 concentration.