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Evaluating Ammonia (NH 3 ) Predictions in the NOAA NAQFC for Eastern North Carolina Using Ground Level and Satellite Measurements
Author(s) -
Battye William H.,
Bray Casey D.,
Aneja Viney P.,
Tong Daniel,
Lee Pius,
Tang Youhua
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1029/2018jd029990
Subject(s) - cmaq , environmental science , air quality index , deposition (geology) , atmospheric sciences , chemical transport model , particulates , meteorology , atmosphere (unit) , ammonia , emission inventory , satellite , reactive nitrogen , ozone , nitrogen , chemistry , geography , paleontology , organic chemistry , aerospace engineering , sediment , geology , engineering , biology
Ammonia (NH 3 ) in the atmosphere contributes to the formation of airborne fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), which is associated with adverse human health effects. The emission, transport, reactions, and deposition of NH 3 in the atmosphere are modeled using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, within the U.S. National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC). The purpose of this current work is to evaluate the capability of the NAQFC CMAQ model and to identify potential improvements to NH 3 emissions estimates and prediction methods. This study focuses on CMAQ predictions of atmospheric NH 3 in North Carolina, including a region with intensive animal production and enhanced NH 3 emissions. The CMAQ model is run for July 2011 using a version of the 2011 National Emissions Inventory in which agricultural NH 3 emissions were adjusted to reflect the lower end of the range of estimates from the current process‐based emissions model. The NAQFC CMAQ model overpredicted atmospheric NH 3 at a continuous monitor in Clinton, NC, within the region of intensive animal production. The average concentration measured by the monitor was 6.6 ppbv, while the average predicted by the model was 10.5 ppbv, a 60% overprediction. Outside of the region of intensive animal production, both measured and modeled NH 3 concentrations were low, 1.3 ppbv or less. The model underpredicted wet deposition of NH 4 + and dry deposition of NH 3 . It is believed that the overestimation of NH 3 at Clinton is attributable at least in part to the underestimation of wet and dry deposition in North Carolina.