Transcript Sonia Uribe
Texas Rural Air Monitoring Sites Sonia Uribe November 16, 2004 Outline • • • • • • • • • What is ozone? Why wind is important? Objective Database Incorporation Maps Input Datasets Time Series Animated Maps What is next? What is Ozone ? Ozone is the main component of smog. It is formed through chemical reactions between natural and man-made emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. Ozone levels are considered "unhealthful" and exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard when the levels exceed 125 parts per billion (ppb) 1-hour standard or 85 ppb 8-hour standard. Why wind is important? High ozone levels can be present when temperatures are high, sunshine is strong, and winds are weak To reduce air pollution it is important to understand how it travels throughout the region Ozone pollution is mainly a daytime concern during summer since warm temperatures play a role in its formation Objective To reduce air pollution it is important to understand how it travels throughout the region. Air Quality Field Study (TexAQS II) is a research initiative to better understand the causes of air pollution in Texas. The objectives are to establish sites and collect approx. 18 months of data. Database Incorporation ESRI Data & Maps CD United States Map Counties, cities, and roads Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/index.html Dallas Austin Houston Maps Generation Time Series Transfer to Arc Hydro Format Animated Maps January, 2000 Ozone Levels 8 hrs Average Wind Speed 1 hr Average August, 2000 Ozone Levels 8 hrs Average Wind Speed 1 hr Average Conclusions • It has been confirmed that high ozone levels are exacerbated when winds intensities are weak and under high temperature conditions • A GIS-based tool might help develop a forecasting system for ozone levels based on surrogate parameters • The GIS-based component will greatly enhance the 2005 TxAQS study What is Next? • Interpolate data to generate surfaces of surrogate parameters • Find relationships between temperature, wind and ozone levels • Support Monitoring Network Optimization