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AQMEII: A New International Initiative on Air Quality Model Evaluation
Citation:
RAO, S. T., K. L. SCHERE, S. Galmarini, AND D. Steyn. AQMEII: A New International Initiative on Air Quality Model Evaluation. Chapter 4, Douw G. Steyn and S.T. Rao (ed.), Air Pollution Modeling and its Applications XX. Springer Netherlands, , Netherlands, 4.11(C):385-389, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
The National Exposure Research Laboratory′s (NERL′s) Atmospheric Modeling and Analysis Division (AMAD) conducts research in support of EPA′s mission to protect human health and the environment. AMAD′s research program is engaged in developing and evaluating predictive atmospheric models on all spatial and temporal scales for forecasting the Nation′s air quality and for assessing changes in air quality and air pollutant exposures, as affected by changes in ecosystem management and regulatory decisions. AMAD is responsible for providing a sound scientific and technical basis for regulatory policies based on air quality models to improve ambient air quality. The models developed by AMAD 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 for air quality improvements.
Description:
We provide a conceptual view of the process of evaluating regional-scale three-dimensional numerical photochemical air quality modeling system, based on an examination of existing approached to the evaluation of such systems as they are currently used in a variety of application. A framework for model evaluation is introduced to provide a context for the evaluation process. The objectives of the model evaluation process include: determining the suitability of a modeling system for specific application; distinguishing between the performance of different models through confident-testing of model results; and guiding further model development.