Characteristics of Ozone Episodes during SCCCAMP 1985

Abstract

Abstract Extensive meteorological and air chemistry measurements were obtained along the Ventura and Santa Barbara county coastal areas in California during four 2–3 day case studies conducted during the September–October 1985 South-Central Coast Cooperative Aerometric Monitoring Program (SCCCAMP 1985). An overview of the characteristics of ozone episodes during these four case studies is given, showing that the episodes are associated with warm, high pressure systems with light winds. In the absence of easterly winds, the observed ozone in the region is primarily due to local sources. At other times, easterly wind components transport ozone and its precursors from large source regions to the east (i.e., Los Angeles County). This transport sometimes occurs in inland valleys at elevations up to 600 m, and sometimes occurs over the ocean near the surface. Local sea breezes, mesoscale eddies, and terrain-generated winds often cause complex flow patterns and recirculation of pollutants.