A21H-0250
Assessment of planetary boundary layer and residual layer heights in the Northeastern U.S. using Lidar, a network of surface observations, and the WRF-STILT model
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Poster Hall (Moscone South)
Yanina Barrera1, Thomas Nehrkorn2, Jennifer Diane Hegarty2, Steven C Wofsy1, Elaine Gottlieb1, Maryann R Sargent1, Phil Decola3 and Taylor Jones1, (1)Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States, (2)Atmospheric and Environmental Research Lexington, Lexington, MA, United States, (3)Sigma Space Corporation, Lanham, MD, United States
Abstract:
Simulation of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and residual layer (RL) are key requirements for forecasting air quality in cities and detecting transboundary air pollution events. This study combines information from a network of Mini Micropulse Lidar (MPL) instruments, the CALIOP satellite, meteorological and air pollution measuring sensors, and a particle-transport model to critically test mesoscale transport models at the regional level. Aerosol backscattering measurements were continuously taken with MPL units in various locations within the Northeastern U.S., between September 2012 to August 2015. Data is analyzed using wavelet covariance transforms and image processing techniques. Initial results for the city of Boston show a PBL growth rate between approx. 150 and 300 meters per hour, in the morning to early afternoon (~12-19 UTC). The RL was present throughout the night and day at approx. 1.3 to 2.0 km. Transboundary air pollution events were detected and quantified, and variations in concentrations of greenhouse gases and aerosols were also evaluated. Results were compared to information retrieved from Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model and the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) model.
