Meteorological Variables and Synoptic Patterns Associated with Air Pollutions in Eastern China during 2013–2018

Zhujun Dai, Duanyang Liu, Kun Yu, Lu Cao and Youshan Jiang
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Zhujun Dai: Key Laboratory of Transportation Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing 210008, China
Duanyang Liu: Key Laboratory of Transportation Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing 210008, China
Kun Yu: Nanjing Meteorological Bureau of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210019, China
Lu Cao: Meteorological Observatory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210008, China
Youshan Jiang: Nanjing Meteorological Bureau of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210019, China

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: Steady meteorological conditions are important external factors affecting air pollution. In order to analyze how adverse meteorological variables affect air pollution, surface synoptic situation patterns and meteorological conditions during heavy pollution episodes are discussed. The results showed that there were 78 RPHPDs (regional PM 2.5 pollution days) in Jiangsu, with a decreasing trend year by year. Winter had the most stable meteorological conditions, thus most RPHPDs appeared in winter, followed by autumn and summer, with the least days in spring. RPHPDs were classified into three patterns, respectively, as equalized pressure (EQP), advancing edge of a cold front (ACF) and inverted trough of low pressure (INT) according to the SLP (sea level pressure). RPHPDs under EQP were the most (51%), followed by ACF (37%); INT was the minimum (12%). Using statistical methods and meteorological condition data on RPHPDs from 2013 to 2017 to deduce the thresholds and 2018 as an independent dataset to validate the proposed thresholds, the threshold values of meteorological elements are summarized as follows. The probability of RPHPDs without rain was above 92% with the daily and hourly precipitation of all RPHPDs below 2.1 mm and 0.8 mm. Wind speed, RHs, inversion intensity(ITI), height difference in the temperature inversion(ITK), the lower height of temperature inversion (LHTI) and mixed-layer height (MLH) in terms of 25%–75% high probability range were respectively within 0.5–3.6 m s −1 , 55%–92%, 0.7–4.0 °C 100 m −1 , 42–576 m, 3–570 m, 200–1200 m. Two conditions should be considered: whether the pattern was EQP, ACF or INT and whether the eight meteorological elements are within the thresholds. If both criteria are met, PM 2.5 particles tend to accumulate and air pollution diffusion conditions are poor. Unfavorable meteorological conditions are the necessary, but not sufficient condition for RPHPDs.

Keywords: air pollution; synoptic situation pattern; meteorological variables; threshold values (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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