Observations of Short-Lived Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases in the Mid-Atlantic States

We present results of aircraft and surface observations of short-lived pollutants, including O₃, NO₂, CO, SO₂, VOC's and aerosol optical properties as well as greenhouse gases CO₂ and CH₄ measured during air quality events in the areas around Baltimore/Washington and New York City. Results are used to further the study of the impact of meteorology on air pollution, to evaluate emissions, and local vs regional photochemistry. Ratios of reactive pollutants such as NOx and CO to CO₂ provide insight into the efficiency of control measures. Comparisons are made to forecasts and to numerical simulation. Both synoptic transport, along the I-95 corridor, and small scale curculations, Bay and Sea breezes, play a role in the timing and location of maximum ozone.