Abstract
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region experienced heavy air pollution in December 2015, which provided a good opportunity to explore the aerosol-radiation interaction (ARI) effects of different particulate matter (PM) components (sulfate, nitrate, and black carbon (BC)). In this study, five tests were conducted by the Weather Research and Forecasting—Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model. The tests included scenario 1 simulation with ARI turned on, scenario 2 simulation with ARI turned off, scenario3 simulation without NOx/NO3− emissions and with ARI turned on, scenario 4 simulation without SO2/SO42− emissions and with ARI turned on, and scenario 5 simulation without BC emissions and with ARI turned on. The ARI decreased the downward shortwave radiation (SWDOWN) and the temperature at 2 m (T2), reduced the planetary boundary layer (PBL) height (PBLH), and increased the relative humidity (RH) at 2 m in the region. These factors also contribute to pollution accumulation. The results revealed that BC aerosols have a stronger effect on the reduction in SWDOWN than sulfate (SO42−) and nitrate (NO3−). BC aerosols produce both cooling and heating effects, while SO42− aerosols produce only cooling effects. The PBL decreased and RH2 increased due to the aerosol feedback effect of sulfate, nitrate, and BC. The ARI effect on meteorological factors during the nonheavy pollution period was much smaller than that during the pollution period.
Highlights
Aerosols can affect the temperature and relative humidity (RH) at the surface by scattering and absorbing solar radiation in the atmosphere [1,2,3], which is called the aerosol-radiation interaction (ARI)
The model was validated by comparing the results of the scenario1 simulation and the observed results for surface PM2.5 concentrations, temperature at 2 m (T2), 10 m wind speed (WS10), and relative humidity at 2 m (RH2)
The normalized mean gross error (NME), normalized mean bias (NMB), and correlation coefficient (RC) were used for the statistical analysis based on a previous study [37]
Summary
Aerosols can affect the temperature and relative humidity (RH) at the surface by scattering and absorbing solar radiation in the atmosphere [1,2,3], which is called the aerosol-radiation interaction (ARI). To ensure good air quality during major events, such as the 70th anniversary of the Anti-Japanese War victory and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, emission controls have been implemented in these regions (the Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Shaanxi provinces) Those measures were implemented successfully, and the pollution levels were low [15,16]. Our knowledge of the ARI effect in China is far from complete Knowing how these interactions may affect air pollution and meteorological factors will help to reduce extremely high. In December 2015, the northern region of China, especially the BTH area, experienced several episodes of heavy PM2.5 pollution These heavy pollution scenarios provided experimental opportunities to explore how different PM components (nitrate aerosols, sulfate aerosols, and BC). The research results of this paper provide a scientific basis for ARI studies and support for the Chinese government to prevent air pollution
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