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1701135 
Book/Book Chapter 
Air pollution level during snowfall days over Thriassio Plain, Greece 
Anastasios, M; Georgios, T; Anastasios, C; Dimosthenis, A; Eleni, V; Spyridon, L 
2005 
Proceedings of the International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology 
B593-B598 
WOS:000237755500097 
At the beginning of January 2002 and between January the 20th and February the 20th, 2004 there was a series of days characterized by extremely low temperatures and continuous snowfall, especially over the Central and Southern parts of Greece. Those days were characterized by very strong cold invasions accompanied by heavy snowfall. For the industrial area of the Thriasio Plain this is a very rare phenomenon, therefore suitable of the examination of air pollution levels under such extreme circumstances. Hourly meteorological and air pollution data were obtained from the 6 station of the monitoring network operated by the local authorities. The data presented herein cover the continues days with subzero temperatures over the Thriassion Plain area The results of the analysis indicate a significant differentiation of the meteorological parameters inside the close basin of the Thriasio Plain. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed records, presents spatial variation between stations. Also despite the evidently unfavorable weather conditions, air pollution levels and especially O-3, are rather significant. The diurnal variation of NO2 reveals its source, during non-working days the concentrations are flat low through the period, while during working days diurnal variation is easily observed. Ozone levels during all three periods are quite significant presenting the highest concentrations is that at Magoula followed in order by those of Elefsis, Mandra's labor buildings and Paralia Aspropyrgou.



The diurnal variation of the pollutants reveals their sources, and the independence of these sources from external factors, namely their industrial relation. Recording such high air pollution levels under these meteorological conditions is a strong testimony of the air quality problems of the area. 
air pollution levels; snowfall days