Modeling Ozone Control Strategies in Los Angeles

Abstract

Attempts by various local, state, and federal agencies to quantify the degree of emission reductions in Los Angeles, California needed to attain the federal ozone standard have recently been extended to include the use of sophisticated air pollution simulation models. In particular, the Systems Applications Airshed Model—a grid‐based, time‐dependent photochemical simulation model—has been applied to the region in recent air management studies. After initial model verification analysis using field measurements obtained during an historical smog episode in southern California, the model was used to evaluate the impacts on future ozone levels of alternative emission controls for principal ozone precursors i.e., reactive organic gases and oxides of nitrogen. Modeling results exemplify the highly nonlinear characteristics of hydrocarbon nitrogen oxides/ozone cycles in the atmosphere and the inherent difficulties in ameliorating the Los Angeles smog problem within federally mandated timetables.