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SUMMARY REPORT OF AIR QUALITY MODELING RESEARCH ACTIVITIES FOR 2006
Citation:
RAO, S.T., R. L. DENNIS, V. GARCIA, A. GILLILAND, R. MATHUR, D. MOBLEY, T. E. PIERCE, AND K. L. SCHERE. SUMMARY REPORT OF AIR QUALITY MODELING RESEARCH ACTIVITIES FOR 2006. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-07/103 (NTIS PB2008-110094), 2008.
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:
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Commerce (DOC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Atmospheric Sciences Modeling Division (ASMD) of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) develops advanced modeling and decision support systems for effective forecasting and management of the Nation's air quality. As a division within the EPA organizational structure, ASMD is known as the Atmospheric Modeling Division (AMD). The Division is responsible for providing a sound scientific and technical basis for regulatory policies to improve ambient air quality. The models developed by the Division are being used by EPA, NOAA, and the air pollution community in understanding and forecasting not only the magnitude of the air pollution problem, but also in developing emission control policies and regulations. This report summarizes research and operational activities of the Division for the year 2006.