The relationship between atmospheric temperature inversion and urban air pollution characteristics: a case study of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of air pollution in Tehran, focusing on its origins and potential remedial measures. Data from the Mehrabad station in Tehran were meticulously analyzed to scrutinize the spatiotemporal dynamics over a three-year period. Leveraging the Universal Radio Sound Observation (RAOB) program, we probed atmospheric attributes up to 750 m on specific critical dates: January 22, 2014; January 25, 2015; and November 27, 2016, which represent peak pollution events. Employing mathematical models, we scrutinized air temperature inversion profiles and applied the Heffter method to gauge the impact of atmospheric inversions on Tehran's air quality. Our investigation unequivocally identified January 25, 2015, as the most polluted date, unveiling precise atmospheric conditions during a radiation inversion, encompassing altitudes, temperatures, humidity, wind speed, and inversion depth. This research significantly advances our comprehension of the intricate interplay between atmospheric inversions and air pollution. It provides critical insights that can inform the development of targeted strategies to mitigate air quality issues not only in Tehran but also in analogous urban settings worldwide.