HYSPLIT Trajectory Research Articles

A case study on the dust storm that occurred on March 13–18, 2022, over the Algerian Sahara, using satellite remote sensing

This study investigates the dynamics of a significant dust storm that occurred in Algeria in March 2022, employing data derived from the Sentinel-5P and CALIPSO satellite instruments. We examine the Aerosol Absorbing Index (AAI) to detect n absorbing aerosols, with a focus on desert dust, and analyze the attenuation coefficient. Additionally, we employ the HYSPLIT trajectory analyze to study dust transport and MERRA-2 to examine wind patterns wind. The key findings unveil a detailed trajectory of a prominent dust storm in Algeria in March 2022. The Aerosol Absorbing Index (AAI) effectively identifies absorbing aerosols, particularly desert dust, through thorough analyses of dust trajectory and wind patterns; augmenting these findings, CALIPSO satellite data has provided a detailed vertical profile of aerosols within the dust plume, emphasizing spatial and altitudinal extents. This research significantly contributes to advancing scientific discussions on atmospheric dynamics in arid regions and enhances our understanding and forecasting capabilities related to Saharan dust storm initiation and trajectory.

Optimizing an integrated biovigilance toolbox to study the spatial distribution and dynamic changes of airborne mycobiota, with a focus on cereal rust fungi in western Canada.

In the face of evolving agricultural practices and climate change, tools towards an integrated biovigilance platform to combat crop diseases, spore sampling, DNA diagnostics and predictive trajectory modelling were optimized. These tools revealed microbial dynamics and were validated by monitoring cereal rust fungal pathogens affecting wheat, oats, barley and rye across four growing seasons (2015-2018) in British Columbia and during the 2018 season in southern Alberta. ITS2 metabarcoding revealed disparity in aeromycobiota diversity and compositional structure across the Canadian Rocky Mountains, suggesting a barrier effect on air flow and pathogen dispersal. A novel bioinformatics classifier and curated cereal rust fungal ITS2 database, corroborated by real-time PCR, enhanced the precision of cereal rust fungal species identification. Random Forest modelling identified crop and land-use diversification as well as atmospheric pressure and moisture as key factors in rust distribution. As a valuable addition to explain observed differences and patterns in rust fungus distribution, trajectory HYSPLIT modelling tracked rust fungal urediniospores' northeastward dispersal from the Pacific Northwest towards southern British Columbia and Alberta, indicating multiple potential origins. Our Canadian case study exemplifies the power of an advanced biovigilance toolbox towards developing an early-warning system for farmers to detect and mitigate impending disease outbreaks.

Using HawkEye Level-2 Satellite Data for Remote Sensing Tasks in the Presence of Dust Aerosol

This paper is the first to examine the operation of the HawkEye satellite in the presence of dust aerosol. The study region is the Black Sea. Dust transport dates were identified using visual inspection of satellite imagery, back-kinematic HYSPLIT trajectory analysis, CALIPSO aerosol stratification and typing maps, and the global forecasting model SILAM. In a comparative analysis of in-situ and satellite measurements of the remote sensing reflectance, an error in the atmospheric correction of HawkEye measurements was found both for a clean atmosphere and in the presence of an absorbing aerosol. It is shown that, on average, the dependence of the atmospheric correction error on wavelength has the form of a power function of the form from λ−3 to λ−9. The largest errors are in the short-wavelength region of the spectrum (412–443 nm) for the dust and dusty marine aerosol domination dates. A comparative analysis of satellite and in situ measurements of the optical characteristics of the atmosphere, namely the AOD and the Ångström parameter, was carried out. It is shown that the aerosol model used by HawkEye underestimates the Angström parameter and, most likely, large errors and outliers in satellite measurements are associated with this.

Atmospheric black carbon observations and its valley-mountain dynamics: Eastern cordillera of the central Andes of Peru

Glacial bodies in the Peruvian Andes Mountains store and supply freshwater to hundreds of thousands of people in central Peru. Atmospheric black carbon (BC) is known to accelerate melting of snow and ice, in addition to contributing to air pollution and the health of people. Currently there is limited understanding on the sources and temporal variability of BC in valley and mountain environments in Peru. To address this problem, this study combined surface observations of BC collected during 2022–2023 with WRF model simulations and HYSPLIT trajectories to analyze the dispersion and sources of BC in valley and high elevation environments and the associated local atmospheric circulations. Results show high BC concentrations are associated with the valley-mountain wind system that occurs on both sides of the Huaytapallana mountain range. A pronounced circulation occurs on the western slopes of Huaytapallana when concentrations of BC increase during daylight hours, which transports atmospheric pollutants from cities in the Mantaro River Valley to the Huaytapallana mountain range. Low concentrations of BC are associated with circulations from the east that are channeled by the pronounced ravines of the Andes-Amazon transition. On average, during the season of highest BC concentrations (July–November), the relative contributions of fossil fuels are dominant to biomass burning at the valley observatory and are slightly lower at the Huaytapallana observatory. These results demonstrate the need to promote mitigation actions to reduce emissions of BC and air pollution associated with forest fires and local anthropogenic activity.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Aerosol Optical Thickness derived Using MODIS-MAIAC Algorithm at a High Spatial Resolution Along with the HYSPLIT Trajectory Model

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Aerosol Optical Thickness derived Using MODIS-MAIAC Algorithm at a High Spatial Resolution Along with the HYSPLIT Trajectory Model

Neighbouring effect of land use changes and fire emissions on atmospheric CO2 and CH4 over suburban region of India (Shadnagar)

The present study investigated the effects of land use/land cover (LU/LC) changes on atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations over the sub-urban region of India (Shadnagar) using continuous decadal CO2 and CH4in-situ data measured by the greenhouse gas analyser (GGA). Data was collected from 2013 to 2022 at a 1 Hz frequency. Analysis of the current study indicates that during pre-monsoon, the seasonal maximum of CO2 was 409.91 ± 9.26 ppm (μ ± 1σ), while the minimum during monsoon was about 401.64 ± 7.13 ppm. Post-monsoon has a high seasonal mean CH4 concentration of 2.08 ± 0.06 ppm, while monsoon has a low seasonal mean CH4 concentration of 1.88 ± 0.03 ppm. The primary classes, such as forest, crop, and built-up, were considered to estimate the effect of LU/LC changes on atmospheric CO2 and CH4 concentrations. Between 2005 and 2021, the study's results show that the built-up area at radii of 10 km, 20 km, and 50 km increased by 0.17 %, 0.10 %, and 0.4 %, respectively. While other LU/LC categories declined by 30 %, agriculture areas increased by 30 % on average. As a result, the CO2 and CH4 concentrations at the study site are increased by 6 % (26 ppm) and 6.5 % (140 ppb), respectively. The present study utilised the fire-based carbon emissions data from the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED) to understand the impact on atmospheric CO2 and CH4. Analysis of the present work investigated the influence of transported airmass on CO2 and CH4 during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons using the HYSPLIT trajectories and found emissions were from the northwest, southeast, and northeast of the study site. Further, in-situ CO2 and CH4 records are compared against the MIROC4-ACTM simulation, and strong agreement was found with bias of 1.80 ppm and 0.98 ppb for CO2 and CH4, respectively.

Integrating satellite and model data to explore spatial-temporal changes in aerosol optical properties and their meteorological relationships in northwest India

This study aims to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of Aerosol Optical Properties across Northwest India using aerosol data from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) sensors from 2003 to 2022. Therefore, this study investigated the decadal, interannual, and seasonal changes in aerosol optical properties, vegetation index, and meteorological parameters in the northwest Indian region (8 boxes). Using GIOVANNI (Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) Online Visualization and Analysis Infrastructure), we retrieved daily and monthly Aqua and Terra MODIS products of aerosol optical depth (AOD), Angstrom exponent (AE), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and OMI aerosol index (AI) to examine the spatiotemporal variations by using statistical approaches. The results demonstrated that the decadal averages of aerosol properties showed values of AOD 0.35 (Aqua) and 0.34 (Terra) and AE 1.20 (Aqua) and 1.10 (Terra) with the highest levels during the post-monsoon. Notably, the mean interannual concentrations of AOD and NDVI consistently surpass 0.3, and AE and AI exceed 1 in most locations, underscoring the persistence of high aerosol loading. Also, the study revealed a negative decadal change in AOD of about −8.24 %, while AE, AI, and NDVI showed positive decadal changes of about 9.24 %, 15.09 %, and 12.67 %, respectively. In addition, aerosol optical properties and local meteorology strongly correlated (−0.8 to +0.8). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identifies meteorological parameters as significant drivers, with the first three components explaining over 70 % of the variation in aerosol optical properties. The NOAA HYSPLIT trajectory model suggests that the long-distance dust transport from the Arabian Peninsula frequently penetrates Gujarat province and then to northwest India. The results contributed to air quality management strategies and provided valuable insights into regional climate and air quality with the influence of meteorology.

Solving the mysteries of Lahore smog: the fifth season in the country

South Asian smog is an annually recurring air pollution event that is characterized by high concentrations of air pollutants, low visibility, and severe socio-economic disruptions. It is most frequently observed across the north-western parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Since 2016, it has become so frequent and pervasive that they are colloquially referred to as “the fifth season” in the region. During this season populations residing in this area including cities such as Lahore, Amritsar, Faisalabad, Multan, Delhi etc. are exposed to hazardous levels of air pollution. This study attempts to understand the reasons for the recent increase in the intensity and frequency of intense air pollution episodes by utilizing ground-based and satellite observations. Time-series analysis, seasonal and annual variations in PM2.5 and AOD were carried out. Satellite data of UVAAI, CO, and fire count were used to determine the fire incidences and aerosol characterization. The results indicate that during the last decade, there has been an increase in air pollution sources while crop residue burning, and motor vehicles have greatly contributed to the increased frequency and intensity of such events. The meteorological and topographical data analysis revealed that the IGP provides ample cloud-condensation nuclei and optimum conditions for the accumulations of pollutants, especially in the post-monsoon and winter periods. The Mann-Kendall test was performed to confirm the annual and seasonal trends of PM2.5. The major cities of South Asia such as Lahore, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Dhaka have recently shown a decreasing trend with respect to annual AOD. However, an increase has been observed for the period of post-monsoon especially for cities of Lahore and Delhi. To distinguish potential sources of air pollutants during extreme smog episodes in the region, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was conducted to estimate the most contributing factors to the annual smog episodes. According to the data, the transboundary pollution resulting from open-field agriculture fires has been assigned moderate importance over vehicular emissions. A HYSPLIT trajectory model coupled with ground observations and satellite data shows that the agricultural fires do have a profound impact on the air quality of the region. It highlights the importance of transboundary pollution and cooperation among cities, regions, and countries across the shared airshed of the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Wintertime fine aerosol particles composition and its evolution in two megacities of southern and northern China

Study on fine aerosols composition can help understand the particles formation and is crucial for improving the accuracy of model simulations. Based on field data measured by a Q-ACSM (Quadrupole-Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor), we have comprehensively compared the characteristics, evolution, and potential formation mechanisms of the components in NR-PM2.5 during wintertime at two megacities (Beijing and Guangzhou) of southern and northern China. We show that as PM pollution intensifies, the mass fraction of the primary aerosols (e.g., COA, HOA) in PM2.5 in Guangzhou increased, along with a slight decline in proportion of both the secondary organic (SOA) and inorganic (SIA) aerosols; In contrast, in Beijing, the proportion of the SIA ramped up from 28 % to 53 % with the pollution evolution; and the fraction of SOA in total OA also increased due to a substantial increment in the proportion of MO-OOA (from 29 % to 48 %), suggesting a significance of the secondary processes in worsening aerosols pollution in Beijing. Our further analysis demonstrates a leading role of aqueous pathway in the secondary formation of aerosols at the Beijing site, presenting an exponential rising of SIA and SOA with the relative humidity (RH) increase. Compared to Beijing, however, we find that the photochemical oxidation other than aqueous process in Guangzhou plays a more critical role in those secondary aerosols formation. Combined with the Hysplit trajectory model, we identify the high humid conditions in Guangzhou are typically affected by clean marine air masses, explaining the slower response of secondary components to the RH changes. Moreover, the particles in Guangzhou were observed less hygroscopic that is adverse to the aerosol aqueous chemistry. The results provide basis for the precise control of PM pollution in different regions across China and would be helpful in improving model simulations.

Seasonal characterization of aerosols over high altitude location of southern India, Ooty, Tamilnadu

Climate change has been worsened by aerosols which got a significant place in the scientific research to understand climate change dynamics. Hence, the optical properties of the aerosols play an important role in the earth’s energy radiation budget. The Aerosol Optical Depth was measured at high altitude region in Ooty from December 2020 to May 2021. The spectral, monthly and diurnal variation of AOD were assessed and showed their seasonal variability. The mean AOD value at 500 nm was higher during the Summer season (0.625±0.323) than in the Winter season (0.213±0.006). The Black Carbon (BC) was measured using an Aethalo meter from December 2020 to September 2021. The average season wise concentrations of BC were 0.680±0.206µg m-3, 1.128±0.393 µg m-3 and 0.189±0.06 µg m-3 for the Winter, Summer and Monsoon seasons, respectively. The sources of BC mass concentration were apportioned based on fossil fuel (BCff) and biomass burning (BCbb). The fossil fuel based contribution was higher than the biomass based contribution to the total BC concentration. The comparative study of BC concentration with the AOD, it was projected that the AOD had increased in line with surging BC concentration up to April, 2021. The ground-based daily AOD measurements were compared with the MODIS retrieved AOD. The MODIS retrieved AOD was positively correlated with the ground measured AOD during the Winter and Summer seasons. The HYSPLIT trajectory presented the pathways of the source from the long range regions. The Winter season trajectory was attributed to the North-easterly and easterly winds and the Summer season was attributed to the North-westerly and westerly winds that exhibited the long-range transport of aerosols from the neighbouring cities. The meteorological parameters significantly affected the loading of aerosols during all the seasons, denoting that they were supposed to the local prevailing meteorological conditions.

Identifying the pathways of extreme rainfall in South Africa using storm trajectory analysis and unsupervised machine learning techniques

Abstract This study has utilised National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis 1 project meteorological data and the HYSPLIT model to extract the air parcel trajectories for selected historical extreme rainfall events in South Africa. The k-means unsupervised machine learning algorithm has been used to cluster the resulting trajectories, and from this, the spatial origin of moisture for each of the rainfall events has been determined. It has been demonstrated that rainfall events on the east coast with moisture originating from the Indian Ocean have distinctly larger average maximum daily rainfall magnitudes (279 mm) compared to those that occur on the west coast with Atlantic Ocean influences (149 mm) and those events occurring in the central plateau (150 mm) where moisture has been continentally recirculated. Further, this study has suggested new metrics by which the HYSPLIT trajectories may be assessed and demonstrated the applicability of trajectory clustering in a region not previously studied. This insight may in future facilitate improved early warning systems based on monitoring of atmospheric systems, and an understanding of rainfall magnitudes and origins can be used to improve the prediction of design floods for infrastructure design.

Atmospheric microplastic deposition in a coastal city of India: The influence of a landfill source on monsoon winds

Coastal zones experience various wind events that may influence the characteristics, distribution, and dynamics of atmospheric microplastic pollutants. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of the bulk atmospheric microplastic deposition in Kochi, Kerala, India, during three distinct seasons: Northeast Monsoon (NEM), Summer (SMR), and Southwest monsoon (SWM). Seasonally, the highest microplastic fallout rate was recorded for the NEM (37.29 particles m−2d−1), followed by SMR (15.17 particles m−2 d−1) and the SWM (11.57 particles m−2d−1). The microplastic abundance was not correlated to the amount of rainfall. Further, the wind rose and HYSPLIT trajectory analysis illustrated the arrival of northeast monsoon winds to the city via the region in and around the municipal landfill, which could be a major source of airborne microplastic to the sampling stations, and the forward trajectories from the landfill site extended into the Arabia Sea, providing evidence on the potential atmospheric transport and subsequent deposition of microplastics into the ocean. With respect to the qualitative characteristics, blue-coloured and fibrous microplastics dominated the samples with a considerable number of particles belonging to the size range of 200–500 μm. The practice of drying synthetic clothes under natural sunlight may have substantially contributed to the increased prevalence of airborne microfibers. The higher numbers of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) in the bulk microplastic deposition reinforce the concept of low-density polymers being more susceptible to deflation by the wind. Overall, the work signifies the role of monsoon winds in transporting microplastics from an unscientifically managed municipal landfill site and also highlights the importance of reducing the quantity of plastic waste ending up at the landfill to reduce the emission of microplastics proportionately.

Dust in Western Iran: the emergence of new sources in response to shrinking water bodies

We detected sources of dust in the Middle East that contribute to dust events in Western Iran in different seasons. By the analysis of the synoptic data, we identified 309 dusty days in Western Iran during the period 2000–2016. A dusty day is diagnosed if under low horizontal visibility (< 1 km), the dust in suspension is reported at least once a day in at least three synoptic stations. We identified dust sources in the Middle East based on the analysis of the MOD04L2 data from MODIS, the backward HYSPLIT trajectory model, and synoptic conditions. The most influential sources affecting Western Iran are located on the shore and northwest of Lake Tharthar, Hour-al-Azim Marsh, the shore of Razzaza, Habbaniyah Lakes, and West Hammar Marsh, which contributed to 110, 79, 59, 56, and 51 dusty days, respectively. The fluctuation of the surface water area largely contributes to the variability of dusty days in Western Iran. Indeed, the peak dust activity in Western Iran was during the period 2008–2012 in response to the substantial shrinkage of the main water bodies in Iraq. The main sources of dust influencing Western Iran are located in northern and eastern Saudi Arabia in spring, Deir ez-Zur in Syria’s Aleppo and Raqqa in summer, and Syria’s Homs and Al-Hasakah in winter and spring. Sources of dust in Western Iraq and in most parts of entire Iraq have, respectively, led to the formation of summer and spring dust events in Western Iran. Decreased precipitation in the Middle East from autumn 2007 to 2012 and the occurrence of severe droughts have also contributed to the shrinkage of lakes and wetlands, as well as the reduced agricultural productivity in the Middle East, all of which contributed to the intensification of dust activity in Western Iran in recent decades.

Seasonal variability of airborne mold concentrations as related to dust in a coastal urban area in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the amount of specific airborne mold types and their concentrations increase during dust events. This study investigates the seasonal variation of airborne mold concentrations before, during, and after the dust transport in an eastern Mediterranean coastal area, Izmir city, Turkey. A total of 136 airborne mold samples were collected between September 2020 and May 2021. Two different culture media, namely Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Malt-Extract Agar (MEA), were used for enumeration and genus-based identification of the airborne mold. In addition to culture media, the influences of air temperature, relative humidity, and particulate matter equal to or less than 10µm (PM10) were also investigated seasonally. The HYSPLIT trajectory model and web-based simulation results were mainly used to determine dusty days. The mean total mold concentrations (TMC) on dusty days (543 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/m3 on PDA and 668CFU/m3 on MEA) were approximately 2-2.5 times higher than those on non-dusty days (288CFU/m3 on PDA and 254CFU/m3 on MEA) for both culture media. TMC levels showed seasonal variations (p < 0.001), indicating that meteorological parameters influenced mold concentrations and compositions. Some mold genera, including Cladosporium sp., Chrysosporium sp., Aspergillus sp., Bipolaris sp., Alternaria sp., and yeast, were found higher during dusty days than non-dusty days. Thus, dust event impacts levels and types of airborne molds and has implications for regions where long-range dust transport widely occurs.

Air Quality Concentration, Transport/Dispersion and pathways of particulate matter during community celebration of Diwali days over Visakhapatnam city

Urbanization, industrialization and consumerization have increased pollution levels in our growing cities. The activities of the people on a mass scale during festivities and celebrations can aggravate the problems of the environment. Diwali is a community festival during which the bursting of crackers and lighting of lamps mark the celebration. The large-scale burning of pyrotechnics effuses large amounts of gaseous chemicals into the surrounding atmosphere and sounds emanating from low-explosive substances can culminate into high-decibel noises. An attempt is made in this study to evaluate the air quality, concentration and pathways of the dispersing substances arising from the bursting crackers at this community celebration in the city of Visakhapatnam. Data on diurnal variations, concentration and ratio of the pollutants, namely PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, ozone, benzene and toluene are gleaned from the CPCB data and vis-a-vis the air quality index was evaluated. The role of meteorological parameters is analyzed and the correlation of meteorological parameters [Temperature (TEMP), Relative Humidity (RH), Wind Speed (WS)] with various pollutants is assayed. Transportation, dispersal and pathways of the pollutants during the study period are depicted through HYSPLIT trajectories. Correlation among the pollutants is also assessed. The study reveals that the use of firecrackers during Diwali is a significant source of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and other gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO, Ozone, Benzene and Toluene) in the ambient air, thereby impacting urban air quality during the sampling period.

Investigation of Severe Dust Storms Over Baghdad City by Using Remote Sensing Measurements and Ground Data

Dust aerosols have serious influences on different sectors such as the economy, climate change, pollution, transportation and public health. Dust storms have increased over the Middle East especially impacting central Iraq lately. The goal of the work is to identify possible dust sources and pathways influencing the study area. Using remote sensing data by employing the monthly average of Aerosol Index (AI-OMI), HYSPLIT model and MODIS satellite to examine potential dust storms sources and their transport pathways through spring season in 2012. The results of aerosol index (AI) values by OMI satellite were high during spring and summer but were low during autumn and winter. AI values are increased in the likely major dust sources including eastern parts of Syria, Kuwait, north Saudi Arabia, southwestern parts of Iran, as well as south and central parts of Iraq. Also, analyses of the HYSPLIT model show possible dust storms sources and predominate directions of dust which can reach Baghdad city including transported dust aerosols from the eastern region of Syria, north-western, western Iraq. The findings of pathways by the HYSPLIT model for possible dust sources are agreement with satellite images from MODIS – OMI satellites (dust storms are revealed by the MODIS – OMI satellites). The information of CALIPSO satellite revealed that the dust activity had reached 18 kilometres to the stratosphere layer. The HYSPLIT trajectories findings for dust storms travel are like to the image of the MODIS satellite.

Characteristics of Air Pollutant Distribution and Sources in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea in Spring Based on Multiple Observation Methods

The composition of marine aerosol is quite complex, and its sources are diverse. Across the East China Sea (ECS) and the Yellow Sea (YS), multi-dimensional analysis of marine aerosols was conducted. The characteristics of carbonaceous aerosols and gaseous pollutants were explored through in situ ship-based observation, MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets and TROPOMI data from Sentinel-5P satellite. Black carbon (BC)’s average concentration is 1.35 ± 0.78 μg/m3, with high-value BC observed during the cruise. Through HYSPLIT trajectory analysis, sources of BC were from the northern Eurasian continent, the Shandong Peninsula, the ECS and Northwest Pacific Ocean (NWPO). The transport of marine sources like ship emissions cannot be ignored. According to the absorption Angstrom exponent (AAE), BC originates from biomass burning (BB) in the shortwave band (~370 nm) and from fossil fuel combustion in the longwave band (~660 nm). Organic carbon (OC), sulfate (SO42−) and BC report higher Angstrom exponent (AE) while dust and sea salt reveal lower AE, which can be utilized to classify the aerosols as being fine- or coarse-mode, respectively. OC has the highest AE (ECS: 1.98, YS: 2.01), indicating that anthropogenic activities could be a significant source. The process of biomass burning aerosol (BBA) mixed with sea salt could contribute to the decline in BBA’s AE. Ship emissions may affect the distribution of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the ECS, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tropospheric NO2 over the YS has the highest value (up to 12 × 1015 molec/cm2). Stratospheric NO2 has a ladder-like distribution from north to south, and the variation gradient was lower than that in the troposphere. Carbon monoxide (CO) accumulates in the south and east of the ECS and the east of the YS, while the variation over the eastern YS is relatively frequent. Seas near the Korean Peninsula have extremely high CO concentration (up to 1.35 × 1017 molec/cm2).

Comparison of active and passive methods for atmospheric particulate matter collection: From case study to a useful biomonitoring tool

In this study we conducted air pollution monitoring using three different methods: active monitoring with the use of high volume aerosol sampler and biomonitoring with the use of lichens and spider webs. All of these monitoring tools were exposed to air pollution in Legnica city, a region of Cu-smelting in the SW Poland, which is well known for exceeding the environmental guidelines. Quantitative analysis was carried out for the particles collected by the three selected methods and concentrations of seven selected elements (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, As, Fe) were obtained. Concentrations found in lichens and in spider webs were directly compared and indicated significant differences between them, with higher amounts noted for spider webs. Then, in order to recognize the main pollution sources the principal component analysis was conducted and obtained results were compared. It resulted that spider webs and aerosol sampler, despite different mechanisms of accumulation, show similar sources of pollution – in this case – copper smelter. Additionally, the HYSPLIT trajectories and the correlations between metals in the aerosol samples also confirmed that this is the most probable source of pollution. This study can be considered innovative as these three air pollution monitoring methods were compared, which has never been conducted before, and their comparison gave satisfying results.

Distribution, Transport, and Impact on Air Quality of Two Typical Dust Events in China in 2021

The dust event from 12 January to 17 January 2021 (“1.12 event”) is the first dust process in 2021 and the earliest dust event in the last two decades. The dust event from 14 to 18 March 2021 (“3.15 event”) was the strongest dust storm in the past decade. Distribution, transport, and impact on urban air quality of these two typical dust events were studied using multi-source satellite data, a HYSPLIT trajectory model, and a 3D concentration-weighted trajectory model. Results show that both dust events affected a wide range of areas, covering Northwest, North, Northeast, East, and Central-South China. A strong dust belt spanning Northwest, North, and Northeast China was formed in northern China on 15 March 2021. The distribution heights of the 1.12 and 3.15 events were 0–5 km and 0–10 km, respectively. Dust from western Inner Mongolia and southern Mongolia dominated the 1.12 event, while dust from southern Mongolia dominated the 3.15 event. Both of these dust sources had eastward and southeastward transport paths. The majority of the dust was near-ground in downstream cities from an altitude of 0–3 km. Most cities were affected by the dust backflow. The 1.12 event generated more severe particulate pollution in southern China than the 3.15 event. During high-value dust days, ozone pollution levels decreased at the majority of stations. Dust weather with low dust rising heights and dust backflow phenomena should be taken seriously in urban dust pollution forecasting and warning work. International collaboration is needed to improve China’s desertification control.

Synoptic analysis of the January 2004 snowstorm: Example of Çanakkale

Many natural disasters have occurred on the Earth we live in. Humans have always been in a struggle with these natural phenomena. Today, people are still struggling with atmospheric extreme events. One of the most important disasters like this is snowstorms that occur suddenly in winter. Especially countries in the middle belt (30-60 latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere) are constantly affected by snowstorms. Turkey, located in the Middle Belt, is also exposed to these storms during the winter season. From this perspective, the analysis of synoptic conditions and weather forecast is an important factor for risk analysis and take precautions for winter storms. Thus, the predictions made with the tracking of air masses and synoptic analysis make it easier to understand how the storm occurred. For this purpose, synoptic analyses were conducted to understand the development of the snowstorm that occurred in the high atmosphere in Çanakkale on January 20-30, 2004. This study examined how weather conditions change. Radiosonde data, surface maps, and daily bulletins provided from the Turkish State Meteorological Service were used in the study. Archival data were used to track air mass orbits using the Hysplit trajectory method. Stability and instability assessments of air masses were evaluated using the data from radiosonde stations using the K Index. Spatial analysis software was used to analyze the data and show the thematic distribution of topography. According to the findings, during the passage of a cold front of air masses coming from the north to Çanakkale on January 22, gusty winds began, suddenly dropped the temperatures, and began heavy snow events. Later, it turned into a blizzard and formed a type of snow.