The Spatial Variation of the Weekday/Weekend Differences in the Baltimore Area

ABSTRACT

This study examined the spatial distribution of the weekday/weekend difference in Baltimore, MD, and vicinity. The difference in Baltimore was characterized by having ~39% more NO_x , ~59% more CO, and ~27% more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the average weekday, but there was ~13% more O₃ on the weekend day. Spatially, the difference was elongated in the northeast-southwest direction. It decreased from 13% more O₃ in Baltimore to 6% at ~20 km west of Baltimore and to 4% at ~40 km south of Baltimore. It also appeared to decrease to the east, but the magnitude of the decrease could not be determined because of the lack of data east of the Chesapeake Bay. However, the difference increased to the north, reaching a value of almost 18% at a northern Delaware site.