Long-Range Transport of Air Pollution: A Case Study, August 1970

Abstract

An air pollution episode during August 1970 over the central United States is examined. By use of surface visibilities and an 850-mb wind trajectory analysis, we observed the pollution to advance as much as 700 mi from the central midwest (source region) into the upper midwest and Great Plains (impact area). A large, nearly stationary high-pressure system over the source region allowed the pollution to accumulate beneath a mid-level subsidence inversion located generally near 700 mb. Southeasterly flow around the backside of the High and the northeasterly flow around a weak Low to the south advected the pollution into the impact area. At times, surface visibilities in parts of the impact area were restricted by haze to as little as 4 mi. Although particulate count data were meager, several stations recorded their highest particulate count of the year during the episode.