Observed 2008-2010
Diurnal-Seasonal Variation of
PM2.5 in Maryland
Progress Report to MDE
June 7, 2010
Dr. Konstantin Vinnikov, Acting State Climatologist for Maryland
Prof. Russell Dickerson, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
University of Maryland at College Park, MD
1
Our goal is to depict the seasonal and daily
cycles in SO2 and PM2.5 and to reveal and
evaluate effects of changes in Maryland Power
Plants SO2 emissions on PM2.5.
2008-10 OBSERVED VARIATIONS OF PM2.5 AT MD STATIONS
DIURNAL-SEASONAL PATTERN
2008-10 OBSERVED VARIATIONS OF SO2 AT MD STATIONS
DIURNAL-SEASONAL PATTERN
DIURNAL-SEASONAL PATTERN
MD Power Plants SO2 Emissions
PM2.5 vs. SO2
OBSERVED PM2.5
OBSERVED SO2
MD POWER PLANTS
SO2 EMISSIONS
OBSERVATIONS 2008-10
PM2.5
SO2
Diurnal/Seasonal Variation and Variability of PM2.5
Maryland, Surface Stations Hourly Observations 2008-2010
Take home messages:
1. The residual layer and PBL dynamics play a major role in the
daily cycle of surface concentrations of SO2 and PM2.5.
2. Concentrations of SO2 peak in mid day because the major
sources are aloft and vertical mixing is faster in daylight
hours.
3. PM2.5 shows a major summer maximum and a minor winter
maximum.
4. The winter maximum occurs at night because much of the
PM is primary.
5. The summer max is broad-based because much of the PM is
secondary and is transported aloft.