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EPA RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS -- MODELS-3/CMAQ OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO AIR QUALITY MODELING
Citation:
McKim, B P. EPA RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS -- MODELS-3/CMAQ OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO AIR QUALITY MODELING. EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS (September):12, (2004).
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose of this journal article is to promote the latest release of the Models-3 CMAQ modeling system. Models-3 CMAQ is an emerging tool for forecasting pollution levels.
Description:
Regional and global coordinated efforts are needed to address air quality problems that are growing in complexity and scope. Models-3 CMAQ contains a community multi-scale air quality modeling system for simulating urban to regional scale pollution problems relating to tropospheric ozone, acid/nutrient deposition, visibility, and fine particulate matter. Models-3 CMAQ allows integration of scientific and technology advancements of other federal agencies, academia, and research institutions, thereby allowing a more unified and comprehensive approach to environmental simulation modeling. Computer simulation of atmospheric processes related to criteria pollutants and air toxics is essential for an effective air quality management system. The Models-3 CMAQ system is the latest example of the state-of-the-science product. In addition to the use of the Models-3 CMAQ modeling system as an assessment tool, it is also emerging as a tool for forecasting pollution levels. Scientists from NOAA and EPA recently initiated a program to develop and test numerical models to provide real-time forecasts of pollutant concentrations over the continental United States. The pilot program uses a forecast version of EPA's Models-3 CMAQ system to forecast the next-day ozone concentrations across the northeastern United States.