Background ozone levels of air entering the west coast of the US and assessment of longer-term changes

Oltmans, SJ; Lefohn, AS; Harris, JM; Shadwick, DS

HERO ID

615534

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2008

Language

English

HERO ID 615534
In Press No
Year 2008
Title Background ozone levels of air entering the west coast of the US and assessment of longer-term changes
Authors Oltmans, SJ; Lefohn, AS; Harris, JM; Shadwick, DS
Journal Atmospheric Environment
Volume 42
Issue 24
Page Numbers 6020-6038
Abstract An analysis of surface ozone measurements at a west coast site in northern California (Trinidad Head) demonstrates that this location is well situated to sample air entering the west coast of the US from the Pacific Ocean. During the seasonal maximum in the spring, this location regularly observes hourly average ozone mixing ratios >= 50 ppbv in air that is uninfluenced by the North American continent. Mean daytime values in the spring exceed 40 ppbv. A location in southern California (Channel Islands National Park) demonstrates many of the characteristics during the Spring as Trinidad Head in terms of air flow patterns and ozone amounts suggesting that background levels of ozone entering southern California from the Pacific Ocean are similar to those in northern California. Two inland locations (Yreka and Lassen Volcanic National Park) in northern California with surface ozone data records of 20 years or more are More difficult to interpret because of possible influences of local or regional changes. They show differing results for the long-term trend during the Spring. The 10-year ozone vertical profile measurements obtained with weekly ozonesondes at Trinidad Head show no significant longer-term change in tropospheric ozone. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Doi 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.03.034
Wosid WOS:000258964000008
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword tropospheric ozone; surface ozone; transpacific transport; ozonesondes; background ozone