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Regional Scale Air Pollution Modeling
What Is An Air Pollution Model?
- A computer model simulates the meteorological conditions and chemical reactions that chemical govern air pollution formation and transport
Why Do We Need Air Pollution Models?
- Pollution is formed when gaseous emissions from cars, industry, and residential sources react in the air to form particulate pollution in the winter and ozone in the summer.
- Utah’s complex mountain-valley meteorology plays a large role in the formation and concentration of Utah’ s pollution.
- Without a model only simple broad brush emission strategies are possible and outcomes are less certain.
How Are Air Pollution Models Used?
- Test the effects of emission reductions on air pollution.
- Identify the most effective cost-benefit emission strategies.
- Provide quantitative basis for decision makers.
Can We Believe The Model?
- All models of complex systems have uncertainties, but they are the best tools available.
- Model predictions are validated against observations and approved by EPA
- The model is The Tool for determining how to clean Utah’s air.
DAQ's Modeling Tools
DAQ follows EPA guidelines and recommended models for all of our modeling work. EPA requires strict adherence to modeling standards that have been developed through rigorous scientific testing. Currently, DAQ is using the MM5 and WRF meteorological models and the CMAQ atmospheric chemistry model for regional scale modeling of PM2.5 and Ozone.
Download a winter-time modeling flyer: Modeling Flyer
Modeling Contacts:
- Brock LeBaron - Manager, Technical Analysis Section
(801) 536-4006
- Patrick Barickman - Modeler (CMAQ, SMOKE)
(801) 536-4008
- Tyler Cruickshank - Modeler (MM5, WRF, CMAQ)
(801) 536-4468
- Lance Avey - Modeler (MM5, WRF, CMAQ)
(801) 536-4056
