An Analysis of Stratospheric Intrusion Ozone Events and Their Meteorological Influences

High concentrations of ground-level ozone in the troposphere have negative impacts on human health and other biological organisms. As the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lowered the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone from 75 ppbv to 70 ppbv, it is important to further understand the meteorological factors associated with these stratospheric intrusions, also known as tropopause folds, which lead to accumulation of surface ozone. For this research, we look at case studies from elevated Western locations, Midwest locations, and Northeastern locations in order to analyze the synoptic environment and atmospheric dynamics that were present during the stratospheric intrusion events. We identify the similarities and differences between these meteorological parameters based on the location's geographic placement within the United States. This understanding of enhanced ground-level ozone and stratospheric intrusions will provide foundational knowledge which will aide air quality agencies in planning for NAAQS attainment.