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ACCURACY AND COST CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A CHEMICAL MECHANISM FOR OPERATIONAL USE IN AQ MODELS
Citation:
SCHERE, K. L. ACCURACY AND COST CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A CHEMICAL MECHANISM FOR OPERATIONAL USE IN AQ MODELS. Presented at International Conference on Atmospheric Chemical Mechanisms, Davis, CA, December 06 - 08, 2006.
Impact/Purpose:
The objectives of this task are to continue development and improvement of EPA's mesoscale (regional through urban scale) air quality modeling systems, such as the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, as air quality management and NAAQS implementation tools. This task focuses on needed research and development of air quality models targeted for a major CMAQ model release in FY08. Model development for a broad scope of application is envisioned. For example, CMAQ will need to be able to simulate air quality feedbacks to meteorology and climate as well as intercontinental transport. The 2008 release of CMAQ is timed to coincide with EPA/OAR's and the states' needs for an improved model for assessments of progress (mid-course corrections) in the post-SIP submittal timeframe.
Description:
There are several contemporary chemical kinetic mechanisms available for use in tropospheric air quality simulation models, with varying degrees of condensation of the chemical reaction pathways. Likewise, there are several different numerical solution methods available to use with the chemical mechanisms to produce time-varying chemical solutions. We examine the considerations required in the choice of chemical mechanism/solver for air quality model applications, and some of the trade-offs between accuracy and cost.