Lake Breeze Circulation over Lake Michigan and Its Impacts on Air Quality

The lake breeze circulation is a localized wind circulation that can have significant impacts on regional air quality. This study aims to investigate the negative impacts of lake breeze circulation over the western coast of Lake Michigan on air quality using a variety of measurements, including measurements made by a UAV (Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle), airplane, surface station, Doppler wind LiDAR, and an ozone LiDAR. The unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with different sensors to obtain vertical profiles of key air pollutants, including ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter within the boundary layer. Ground-based surface measurements complement the drone measurements, providing a more complete image of the processes occuring. The ozone LiDAR is utilized to remotely sense ozone concentrations at various altitudes. The LiDAR measurements offer valuable insights into the vertical structure of ozone within the boundary layer, with the drone measurements bridging the gap between the surface and lowest altitude of the LiDAR retrieval. The lake breeze circulation can play a big role in transporting pollutants from the lake towards regions along the coast. The lake breeze can contribute to the accumulation of ozone and deteriorating air quality near the lake shore. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the interactions between lake breeze circulation and air quality over the west coast of Lake Michigan. The integration of drone-based measurements, surface stations, Doppler wind LiDAR, and ozone LiDAR offers a unique perspective on the spatial and temporal variations in pollutant concentrations. Our research can help provide valuable information to the scientific community, regulatory authorities, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for better approaches in assessing and mitigating the impacts of lake breeze circulation on regional air quality.