Pool of Dust Particles over the Asian Continent: Balloon-borne Optical Particle Counter and Ground-based Lidar Measurements at Dunhuang, China

Measurements of aerosols were made in 2001 and 2002 at Dunhuang (40 degrees 00'N, 94 degrees 30'E), China to understand the nature of atmospheric particles over the desert areas in the Asian continent. Balloon-borne measurements with an optical particle counter suggested that particle size and concentration had noticeable peaks in super micron size range not only in the boundary mixing layer but also in the free troposphere. Super-micron particle concentration largely decreased in the mid tropopause (from 5 to 10 km; above sea level, a.s.l.). Lidar measurements made during August 2002 at Dunhuang suggested the possibility that mixing of dust particles occurred from near the ground to about 6 km even under calm weather conditions, and a large depolarization ratio of particulate matter was found in the aerosol layer. The top of the aerosol layer was found at heights of nearly 6 km (a.s.l.). It is strongly suggested that nonspherical dust particles (Kosa particles) frequently diffused in the free atmosphere over the Taklamakan desert through small-scale turbulences and are possible sources of dust particles of weak Kosa events that have been identified in the free troposphere not only in spring but also in summer over Japanese archipelago. Electron microscopic experiments of the particles collected in the free troposphere confirmed that coarse and nonspherical particles observed by the mineral particle were major components of coarse mode (diameter larger than 1 microm) below about 5 km over Dunhuang, China.     

长株潭区域一次重度污染过程气象成因

利用PM_2.5质量浓度、地面气象要素、NCEP、ERSST＿V3、GBL等资料,研究了2021年12月7—11日长株潭地区一次重度空气污染过程的特征及成因。结果表明,高空平直环流、无明显槽脊影响,地面弱冷空气活跃是本次重度空气污染过程的主要环流形势特征;地面均压场、小风和升温增湿是此次重度空气污染过程的主要气象要素特征。污染物浓度变化与主导风向和污染通道密切相关,本地风速对混合层的高度、污染物水平扩散影响较大,600～700 hPa逆温层有利于污染物在主导风作用下近距离传输及在低层交换积累。我国中东部污染物积聚是长株潭区域重要的污染来源,长株潭地区存在区域性同步污染现象。低层流入长株潭区域气流轨迹差异及地理条件是长株潭污染物空间分布差异的重要因素。     

Surface ozone and meteorological condition in a single year at an urban site in central–eastern China

Surface ozone and some meteorological parameters were continuously measured from June 2003 to May 2004 at urban Jinan, China. The levels and variations of surface ozone were studied and the influences of meteorological parameters on ozone were analyzed. Annual and diurnal ozone variation patterns in Jinan both show a typical pattern for polluted urban areas. Daytime ozone concentrations in summer were the highest in the four seasons. However, during nighttime from 2100 to 0600 hours ozone concentrations in spring was higher than that in summer. Daily averaged ozone showed negative correlation with pressure and relative humidity and positive correlation with temperature, total solar radiation, sunshine duration and wind speed during the study period. Further studies show that, solar radiation is a primary influence factor for the daytime variations of ozone concentrations at this site; transport of pollutants by wind could enhance the pollution at this site; precipitation has a significant influence on decreasing surface ozone. A multi-day ozone episode from 16 to 21 June 2003 was observed at this site. Surface meteorological data analysis and backward trajectory computation show that the episode is associated with the influence of typhoon Soudelor, attributing to both local photochemical processes and transport of air pollutants from southeastern coastal region, especially Yangtze River Delta region.     

Hydrographic characterization of southeast Arabian Sea during the wane of southwest monsoon and spring intermonsoon

Seasonal variation of the hydrography along the southeast Arabian Sea is described using data collected onboard FORV Sagar Sampada in September–October 2003 (later phase of Southwest monsoon, SWM) and March–April 2004 (Spring inter monsoon, SIM). During the later phase of the SWM, upwelling was in the withdrawal phase and the frontal structure was clearer in the northern sections (13 and 15°N lat) indicating strong upwelling in the area. The driving force of upwelling is identified as the combination of alongshore wind stress and remote forcing with a latitudinal variability. Although a more prominent upwelling was found in the north, a maximum surface Chlorophyll-a was found in the south (10°N). During the SIM, the area was characterized by oligotrophic water with relatively high Sea Surface Temperature (>29°C) and low salinity (33.8 to 35.4). During March, the surface hydrography was found to be controlled mainly by the intrusion of low-saline waters from the south, while during September by the high saline water from the north. The presence of various water masses [Arabian Sea High Salinity Water (ASHSW), Persian Gulf Water (PGW), Red Sea Water (RSW)] and their seasonal variations in the region is discussed and their decreasing influence towards the south is noted during both periods of observation. During the SWM, the dynamic topography showed the equator-ward flow of the West India Coastal Current (WICC) at the surface and a pole-ward coastal under current at sub-thermocline depth. During the SIM, surface circulation revealed the WICC flowing pole-ward north of 13°N, but equator-ward flow in the south, with a clockwise circulation around the Lakshadweep High.     

Investigation of wind erosion process for estimation, prevention, and control of DSS in Yazd–Ardakan plain

Wind erosion is a phenomenon that is reasonably common in regions where dry winds blow. For the most part, these regions correspond to the dry lands; areas where the soil, generally, is dry and shifting and lacks vegetation for most of the year. The winds are sufficiently strong to lift and move sands and soil particles. The repeated removal of superficial layers by the action of winds can modify the texture of the topsoil, by removing the fine particles and leaving the larger particles. Dust and sandstorm (DSS) is the generic term for a serious environmental phenomenon that involves strong winds that blow a large quantity of dust and fine sand particles away from the ground and carry them over a long distance with significant environmental impacts along the way. In the realm of DSS in Iran country, the people who live in Yazd and Sistan–Baluchestan provinces form a single ecological community due to their geographic proximity and climatic contiguity. The major sources of DSS in the region are believed to be the desert and semidesert areas of the Yazd–Ardakan plain in Yazd province. Both Sistan and Baluchestan are the recipients of this dust. To address the long-range transboundary environmental problem of DSS, a regional cooperation mechanism must be established among the provinces in the region. Yazd–Ardakan plain, with area of about 650,000 ha, is located in the center of Iran, between Yazd and Ardakan cities. The mean annual rainfall is less than 65 mm. Rainfall distribution is a simple modal and more than 70% of it occurs in winter. Plant density varies from 0% to 25%, and Artemisia sieberi is the dominant plant species. The major part of Yazd–Ardakan plain is bare land. According to the recent investigation, more than 20,000-m³ dust with less than 100-μm diameter falls down annually on Yazd city with an area of 7,000 ha. Horizontal visibility is reduced to less than 6 m in stormy days in some parts of Yazd–Ardakan plain. This phenomenon causes car accidents on the main roads of Yazd–Ardakan and can cancel the airplane flights in the stormy days. At present, it is estimated that wind erosion causes more than $6.8 million damages to socioeconomic resources in Yazd plain each year. This paper describes the pattern of occurrence of wind erosion and major contributing factors, summarizes measured rates of wind erosion, outlines the techniques used to mitigate wind erosion hazard, and suggests research priorities. Also, damages of DSS have been estimated and methods for prevention and control are suggested.     

Fluoride pollution of atmospheric precipitation and its relationship with air circulation and weather patterns (Wielkopolski National Park, Poland)

A 2-year study (2010–2011) of fluorides in atmospheric precipitation in the open area and in throughfall in Wielkopolski National Park (west-central Poland) showed their high concentrations, reaching a maximum value of 2 mg/l under the tree crowns. These high values indicate substantial deposition of up to 52 mg/m²/year. In 2011, over 51 % of open area precipitation was characterized by fluoride concentration higher than 0.10 mg/l, and in throughfall such concentrations were found in more than 86 % of events. In 2010, a strong connection was evident between fluoride and acid-forming ions, and in 2011, a correlation between phosphate and nitrite ions was seen. Analysis of available data on F^? concentrations in the air did not show an unequivocal effect on F^? concentrations in precipitation. To find reasons for and source areas of high fluoride pollution, the cases of extreme fluoride concentration in rainwater were related to atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. Weather conditions on days of extreme pollution were determined by movement of weather fronts over western Poland, or by small cyclonic centers with meteorological fronts. Macroscale air advection over the sampling site originated in the western quadrant (NW, W, and SW), particularly in the middle layers of the troposphere (2,500–5,000 m a.s.l.). Such directions indicate western Poland and Germany as possible sources of the pollution. At the same time in the lower troposphere, air inflow was frequently from the north, showing short distance transport from local emitters, and from the agglomeration of Poznań.     

厦门市气候特征变化与酸雨形成研究

对地面风场的研究表明，厦门存在局地和海陆风环流，自1955年以来年平均风速、混合层厚度均呈现下降趋势，大气污染物的水平和垂直扩散能力也呈下降趋势。降水酸度随海拔高度的变化情况表明，海陆风环流有利于酸性污染物的积累，且锋面降水过程中的光化学污染加重了降水的酸化程度。     

青藏高原典型高寒森林地带CH4浓度特征分析

基于波长扫描光腔衰荡光谱线监测系统在海螺沟国家大气背景站(以下简称海螺沟站)开展甲烷(CH_4)连续自动监测,通过局部近似回归法进行背景值筛分分析。结果表明:2016、2017年海螺沟站CH_4年均体积分数和筛分的背景体积分数接近,两者浓度水平与北半球中纬度地区全球本底站CH_4浓度水平相当;海螺沟站CH_4能够代表背景区域浓度水平。海螺沟站CH_4体积分数呈春、夏季低,秋、冬季高特征,季节变化主要受到特定的地理环境和大气环流的影响,大气环流占主导影响。夏季CH_4体积分数最低但日振幅最大,与高原高海拔背景下森林地带的辐射对流引起局地扩散作用有关。采用逐步逼近回归筛分CH_4监测数据,海螺沟站CH_4背景季浓度变化和北半球中高纬度地区其他背景站大气CH_4的季节变化特征以及CH_4季体积分数振幅基本一致。背景站四季的CH_4载荷贡献在16个风向分布结果表明,在春、夏季存在西风带下南亚方向污染物气团的远距离输送;青藏高原东部近地面在冬季处于反气旋冷高压控制下,而SSW方向风向能够短暂打破这种稳定的气象条件,污染物得到迅速扩散,SSW为负贡献。     

Diurnal trends in coarse particulate matter composition in the Los Angeles Basin

To investigate the diurnal profile of the concentration and composition of ambient coarse particles, three sampling sites were set up in the Los Angeles Basin to collect coarse particulate matter (CPM) in four different time periods of the day (morning, midday, afternoon and overnight) in summer and winter. The samples were analyzed for total and water-soluble elements, inorganic ions and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). In summer, highest concentrations of CPM gravimetric mass, mineral and road dust, and WSOC were observed in midday and afternoon, when the prevailing onshore wind was stronger. In general, atmospheric dilution was lower in winter, contributing to the accumulation of air pollutants during stagnation conditions. Turbulences induced by traffic become a significant particle re-suspension mechanism, particularly during winter night time, when mixing height was lowest. This is evident by the high levels of CPM mass, mineral and road dust in winter overnight at the near-freeway sites located in urban Los Angeles, and to a lesser extent in Riverside. WSOC levels were higher in summer, with a similar diurnal profile with mineral and road dust, indicating that they either share common sources, or that WSOC may be adsorbed or absorbed onto the surfaces of these dust particles. In general, the contribution of inorganic ions to CPM mass was greater in the overnight sampling period at all sampling sites, suggesting that the prevailing meteorological conditions (lower temperature and higher relative humidity) favor the formation of these ions in the coarse mode. Nitrate, the most abundant CPM-bound inorganic species in this basin, is found to be predominantly formed by reactions with sea salt particles in summer. When the sea salt concentrations were low, the reaction with mineral dust particles and the condensation of ammonium nitrate on CPM surfaces also contributes to the formation of nitrate in the coarse mode.     

Monitoring of ocean surface algal blooms in coastal and oceanic waters around India

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) sensor MODIS-Aqua provides an important tool for reliable observations of the changing ocean surface algal bloom paradigms in coastal and oceanic waters around India. A time series of the MODIS-Aqua-derived OSABI (ocean surface algal bloom index) and its seasonal composite images report new information and comprehensive pictures of these blooms and their evolution stages in a wide variety of events occurred at different times of the years from 2003 to 2011, providing the first large area survey of such phenomena around India. For most of the years, the results show a strong seasonal pattern of surface algal blooms elucidated by certain physical and meteorological conditions. The extent of these blooms reaches a maximum in winter (November–February) and a minimum in summer (June–September), especially in the northern Arabian Sea. Their spatial distribution and retention period are also significantly increased in the recent years. The increased spatial distribution and intensity of these blooms in the northern Arabian Sea in winter are likely caused by enhanced cooling, increased convective mixing, favorable winds, and atmospheric deposition of the mineral aerosols (from surrounding deserts) of the post-southwest monsoon period. The southward Oman coastal current and southwestward winds become apparently responsible for their extension up to the central Arabian Sea. Strong upwelling along this coast further triggers their initiation and growth. Though there is a warming condition associated with increased sea surface height anomalies along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka in winter, surface algal bloom patches are still persistent along these coasts due to northeast monsoonal winds, enhanced precipitation, and subsequent nutrient enrichment in these areas. The occurrence of the surface algal blooms in the northern Bay of Bengal coincides with a region of the well-known Ganges–Brahmaputra Estuarine Frontal (GBEF) system, which increases supply of nutrients in addition to the land-derived inputs triggering surface algal blooms in this region. Low density (initiation stage) of such blooms observed in clear oceanic waters southeast and northeast of Sri Lanka may be caused by the vertical mixing processes (strong monsoonal winds) and the occurrence of Indian Ocean Dipole events. Findings based on the analyses of time series satellite data indicate that the new information on surface algal blooms will have important bearing on regional fisheries, ecosystem and environmental studies, and implications of climate change scenarios.     

京津冀地区一次浮尘过程的车载激光雷达走航观测

利用双波长三通道激光雷达与车载激光雷达,针对2018年3月28日京津冀区域的浮尘天气过程,分别进行了定点垂直观测与车载走航观测,对这次浮尘天气中沙尘的源地、沙尘气溶胶的时空分布、沙尘的传输路径与传输方式进行了综合分析。位于北京的激光雷达监测到28日凌晨开始,沙尘气溶胶与近地面污染物混合,受沙尘影响近地面污染物浓度迅速升高。北京到沧州的车载激光雷达走航观测结果显示,沙尘气溶胶先向南传输到京津冀南部区域,随后向西南方向传输,同时观测到京津冀区域上空1. 5 km左右存在沙尘传输带。结果表明,使用车载激光雷达走航观测,结合定点垂直激光雷达与其他地面监测数据,能可靠地观测到沙尘过程中颗粒物的时空变化特征。     

The effect of wind direction on the observed size distribution of particle adsorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on an inner city sampling site

An investigation of the variability in the size distribution of particle adsorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on an inner city sampling site showed differences depending on the wind direction. Particle size distributions of PAHs from outdoor air sampling were measured in Munich from 1994 to 1997. The sampling site is located northeast of a crossing with heavy traffic and southwest of a large inner city park. Depending on the wind direction, three different size distributions of particle adsorbed PAHs were observed. The maximum PAH concentration on very small particles (geometric mean diameter 75 nm) was observed with wind from west to southwest coming directly from the crossing area or the roads with heavy traffic. The maximum PAH concentration on particles with geometric mean diameter of 260 nm was found on days with wind from the built-up area north of the sampling site. On particles with geometric mean diameter of 920 nm the maximum PAH concentration was found on days with main wind directions from northeast to east. On these days the wind is blowing from the direction of the city park nearby. The distribution of particle adsorbed PAHs within different particle size classes is substantially influenced by the distance of the sampling site from strong sources of PAH loaded particulate matter.     

Assessing the effects of severe rainstorm-induced mixing on a subtropical,subalpine lake

Severe rainstorms cause vertical mixing that modifies the internal dynamics (e.g., internal seiche, thermal structure, and velocity filed) in warm polymictic lakes. Yuan Yang Lake (YYL), a subtropical, subalpine, and seasonally stratified small lake in the north-central region of Taiwan, is normally affected by typhoons accompanied with strong wind and heavy rainfall during the summer and fall. In this study, we used the field data, statistical analysis, spectral analysis, and numerical modeling to investigate severe rainstorm-induced mixing in the lake. Statistical determination of the key meteorological and environmental conditions underlying the observed vertical mixing suggests that the vertical mixing, caused by heat loss during severe rainstorms, was likely larger than wind-induced mixing and that high inflow discharge strongly increased heat loss through advection heat. Spectral analysis revealed that internal seiches at the basin scale occurred under non-rainstorm meteorological conditions and that the internal seiches under the rainstorm were modified on the increase of the internal seiche frequencies. Based upon observed frequencies of the internal seiches, a two-dimensional model was simulated and then appropriate velocity patterns of the internal seiches were determined under non-rainstorm conditions. Moreover, the model implemented with inflow boundary condition was conducted for rainstorm events. The model results showed that the severe rainstorms promoted thermal destratification and changed vertical circulation of the basin-scale, internal seiche motion into riverine flow.     

The return periods and risk assessment of severe dust storms in Inner Mongolia with consideration of the main contributing factors

This study presents a methodology for return period analysis and risk assessment of severe dust storm disaster. Meteorological observation data, soil moisture data, and remote sensing data from 30 meteorological stations in Inner Mongolia (western China) from 1985 to 2006 were used for the study. A composite index of severe dust storm disaster (Index I (SDS)) based on the influence mechanisms of the main contributing factors was developed by using the analytic hierarchy process and the weighted comprehensive method, and the hazard risk curves (i.e., the transcendental probability curves of I (SDS)) for the 30 stations were established using the parameter estimation method. We then analyzed the risk of the occurrence of severe dust storm under different scenarios of 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-year return periods. The results show that the risk decreased from west to east across Inner Mongolia, and there are four severe dust storm occurrence peak value centers, including Guaizihu, Jilantai, Hailisu, and Zhurihe-Erenhot. The severity of dust storms in seven places will be intolerable in the 50-year return period scenario and in three places in the 20-year return period scenario. These results indicate that these locations should concentrate forces on disaster prevention, monitoring, and early warning. The I (SDS) was developed as an easily understandable tool useful for the assessment and comparison of the relative risk of severe dust storm disasters in different areas. The risk assessment was specifically intended to support local and national government agencies in their management of severe dust storm disasters in their efforts to (1) make resource allocation decisions, (2) make high-level planning decisions, and (3) raise public awareness of severe dust storm risk.     

青海高原一次沙尘重污染天气成因分析

利用常规观测的卫星云图资料、地面资料、探空资料、地面污染物监测数据,结合拉格朗日粒子扩散模型(LPDM)污染源溯源方法,对2018年2月青海高原一次沙尘重污染天气的主要成因以及沙尘传输特征进行了分析。结果表明:此次重污染天气受高空低槽东移影响,在300~700 hPa形成了强烈的辐散下沉,槽后的高空急流随之东移。在其东移过程中,受高空急流动量下传及偏北气流中的冷空气共同作用,青海东部出现了大风沙尘天气。边界层中逆温层的存在是此次污染天气持续的重要原因之一,加之未出现明显降水,不利于大气污染物的扩散。通过运用LPDM对此次污染天气的运动轨迹进行分析来看,气团影响的模拟高度层距离地面100 m,气团层趋势一致。研究区地处青藏高原,海拔较高,0~100 m高度的气团足迹可以反映出PM 10污染气团的输送路径。同时,0~100 m是主要的人为源排放空间,也是对人类活动影响较大的区域。气团足迹与PM 10浓度的变化趋势一致,即青海东部沙尘污染主要是由河西走廊沙尘倒灌进入青海东部导致,这与天气学分析结果一致。     

内蒙古呼和浩特市沙尘天气变化规律及防治对策

以呼和浩特市30年(1971~2000年)气象资料为基础,运用数理统计理论,分析了呼和浩特市沙尘天气的时间变化特征及其与降水量、气温、风速、相对湿度、蒸发量等气象因子的关系。结果表明,沙尘暴、扬沙、浮尘等沙尘天气在年代际、年际、季节与月变化上具有一致性。20世纪70年代沙尘天气发生的日数最多,从1970年代到1990年代沙尘天气发生日数总体上波动下降。沙尘天气的年际变化均以1972年最高,但不同沙尘天气发生日数最小值出现的年份不同,最小值为0天,2000年略有上升。沙尘天气呈现春冬季节发生日数多,夏秋发生日数少的季节变化趋势,每年的4月份沙尘天气出现最多,7、8或9月份沙尘天气出现最少。沙尘天气的发生与空气相对湿度、降水量呈现极显著或显著的负相关,与风速、蒸发量呈现极显著或显著的正相关,与气温变化关系不明显。在此基础上,提出了完善监测体系、加强生态环境建设等沙尘天气防治对策。     

Estimation of the temporal and spatial distribution of dust concentration over China by combining PM10 and conventional meteorological observations

In this paper, we will present a simple algorithm to estimate the temporal and spatial distribution of dust mass concentration by combining PM10 and conventional meteorological observations. The efficiency of the algorithm has been demonstrated by applying it to analyze the dust source, transport, and dissipation of the dust storm which occurred in the west region of Pa-tan-chi-lin Desert at 0200 BST 27 March, 2004.     

The Characteristics of Tropospheric Ozone Seasonality Observed from Ozone Soundings at Pohang, Korea

This paper presents the first analysis of vertical ozone sounding measurements over Pohang, Korea. The main focus is to analyze the seasonal variation of vertical ozone profiles and determine the mechanisms controlling ozone seasonality. The maxima ozone at the surface and in the free troposphere are observed in May and June, respectively. In comparison with the ozone seasonality at Oki (near sea level) and Happo (altitude of 1840 m) in Japan, which are located at the same latitude as of Pohang, we have found that the time of the ozone maximum at the Japanese sites is always a month earlier than at Pohang. Analysis of the wind flow at the surface shows that the wind shifts from westerly to southerly in May over Japan, but in June over Pohang. However, this wind shift above boundary layer occurs a month later. This wind shift results in significantly smaller amounts of ozone because the southerly wind brings clean wet tropical air. It has been suggested that the spring ozone maximum in the lower troposphere is due to polluted air transported from China. However, an enhanced ozone amount over the free troposphere in June appears to have a different origin. A tongue-like structure in the time-height cross-section of ozone concentrations, which starts from the stratosphere and extends to the middle troposphere, suggests that the ozone enhancement occurs due to a gradual migration of ozone from the stratosphere. The high frequency of dry air with elevated ozone concentrations in the upper troposphere in June suggests that the air is transported from the stratosphere. HYSPLIT trajectory analysis supports the hypothesis that enhanced ozone in the free troposphere is not likely due to transport from sources of anthropogenic activity.     

Eco-hydrodynamic Modelling of Chini Lake: Model Description

In this study, we coupled a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model with an ecosystem model and applied it to the shallow complex floodplain wetland of Chini Lake in Malaysia. Our objective was to provide a better understanding of the lake’s ecosystem dynamics under different forcing mechanisms. Simulations and validation were performed over a dry month period. Wind speed ranged between 0 and 7.7 m s^?1, whilst air temperature ranged between 22.0 and 35.6 °C. Advective transport driven by wind stress was the dominant physical force that shaped the water quality variations during the dry season. Convective circulation intermittently influenced the circulation during calm conditions. Nutrient concentration and stratification of dissolved oxygen (DO) varied between the lakes. Wind events saw patterns of the surface DO concentrations move spatially in the direction of the wind. The ecosystem model simulation suggested that the water quality in Chini Lake was influenced by macrophyte production, although the dissolved and particulate organic carbon accounted for the major fraction of organic matter content in the lake.     

Variation of Surface Ozone in the Ambient Air of Auckland, New Zealand

A study has been performed on the characteristics and behavior of surface ozone concentrations at four monitoring sites in Auckland, New Zealand (37 degrees S, 174.8 degrees E) for a four-year period (October 1997-October 2001). One monitoring site (rural) was located upwind of the Auckland urban complex, a second downwind (rural-coastal), and a third within the urban area, while the fourth was an elevated urban-city site located 250 m up the Sky Tower in the central city. In contrast to the high elevation site, the diurnal behaviour of ozone at the three low elevation sites followed a typical solar radiation cycle with high ozone during the day and low nocturnal values. The effect of NO(x) titration was distinct at the urban sites. There was also a seasonal variability in the measured ozone levels with high concentrations in spring and a significant summer minimum. The observed surface ozone concentrations in Auckland were significantly lower than other cities of the world, although a potential for high oxidant formation existed. Observed ozone episodes appear to have been either generated locally or the precursors transported via the prevailing southwest wind. A unique feature of Auckland's air quality is the dilution of polluted city air due to the mixing of east-coast air into the clean west-coast circulation leading to the overall lower average concentrations in summer. A second feature is the potential interaction between sea salt particles and ozone that may provide an additional ozone loss mechanism.