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Path Forward for the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII)
Citation:
Rao, S., R. Mathur, C. Hogrefe, T. Keating, F. Dentener, AND S. Galmarini. Path Forward for the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS 7:38-41, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
The National Exposure Research Laboratory′s (NERL′s)Atmospheric Modeling 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:
This article lays out the objectives for Phase 2 of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). The inhalation of air pollutants such as ozone and fine particles has been linked to adverse impacts on human health, and the atmospheric deposition of pollutants such as sulfates, nitrogen, and mercury has been linked to harmful effects on sensitive ecosystems. It is now well known that air pollution and climate change are interrelated. Given the local-to-global nature of atmospheric pollution, comprehensive air quality models are needed to better understand source-receptor relationships and to design meaningful and effective strategies to mitigate pollution problems. Both in North America and Europe, several models have been developed independently by different research groups during the last three decades. Some of these models are being widely used for designing emission control policies and forecasting air quality in both continents.
