Air Pollution Transport and How It Affects New Hampshire

1
Air Pollution Transport and How It Affects New
Hampshire
A Report Prepared by the N.H. Department of
Environmental Services
May 18, 2004
2
How Does Air Pollution Move Around?

• With the wind
• Just as weather forecasters look to where the
  wind is coming from to predict tomorrows
  weather, air pollution forecasters look upwind to
  predict tomorrows air quality.

3
Typical Wind Patterns on Bad Air Days in the
Northeast, Along with Pollution Source
LocationsArrows show winds blowing from the Ohio
Valley towards New HampshireNitrogen oxides are
key pollutants that cause smog
Tons Per Year of Nitrogen Oxides Emissions
150,000
75,000
4
Recent Ground-level Ozone Event in the Northeast
Ozone builds during the day, beginning in upwind
areas, and transports into New Hampshire late in
the day
5
Air Pollution Build-up and Transport
6
Satellite Observation of a Widespread Smog
EventSmog is evident over land and water,
transported hundreds of miles
7
Satellite Observation of Another Widespread Smog
EventSmog is transported over 700 miles offshore
8
What Do You See In This Photograph?
9
On a Clear Day, You Would See Mt. Jefferson
10
What Is This Famous New Hampshire Landmark?
11
On a Clear Day, You Would Know Its Mt.
Washington