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MODELING AIR TOXICS AND PM 2.5 CONCENTRATION FIELDS AS A MEANS FOR FACILITATING HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS
Citation:
Ching, J.K S. MODELING AIR TOXICS AND PM 2.5 CONCENTRATION FIELDS AS A MEANS FOR FACILITATING HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS. Presented at 10th International Symposium Transport and Air Pollution, Boulder, CO, September 17-19, 2001.
Impact/Purpose:
The objectives of this task are to continuously develop and improve the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system, which is the science implementation within the Models-3 system framework for air quality simulation. CMAQ is a multiscale and multi-pollutant chemistry-transport model (CTM) that includes the necessary critical science process modules for atmospheric transport, deposition, cloud mixing, emissions, gas- and aqueous-phase chemical transformation processes, and aerosol dynamics and chemistry. It relies on Models-3 I/O API to support machine independent data access and maintains simple interfaces among science processor modules to provide a high-level of modularity.
Description:
The capability of the US EPA Models-3/Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system is extended to provide gridded ambient air quality concentration fields at fine scales. These fields will drive human exposure to air toxics and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) models, and ultimately influence implementation of ambient air quality regulatory standards. Sub-grid variability of the pollutant distribution serves as ancillary information for exposure assessments and "hot-spot" analyses to assess impacts of various sources of air toxic pollutants. This paper describes the modeling enhancements to the existing CMAQ, as well as the strategy we are exploring to provide the sub-grid scale details that fulfill the proposed model design requirements and functionality.
The information in this manuscript has been prepared under funding by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It has been subjected to Agency review and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.