Modelling photochemical smog in the Perth region

Abstract

A three-year study of the occurrence of photochemical smog in the vicinity of Perth, Western Australia is being conducted by the State Energy Commission (“SECWA”) and the W.A. Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”). The project, termed the Perth Photochemical Smog Study (“PPSS”) includes extensive monitoring of smog components and meteorological variables, development of an inventory of emissions of smog precursors, and modelling of the combined effects of smog chemistry and meteorological transport. The Urban Airshed Model (“UAM”) has been used for initial photochemistry studies. Input data have been obtained from surface measurements and the author's own mesoscale meteorological model. While the Urban Airshed Model has proved to have limitations in its application to the Perth region, model results have highlighted a number of issues. These, and implications for further work, are described.