The atmosphere is a thin veil of air in which gaseous constituents can be initiated, transported, and physically and chemically transformed. Despite the low mixing ratios of trace gases, they play an important role in atmospheric chemistry as well as climate forcing. Tropospheric Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant, formed in the atmosphere by photo-oxidation of precursor gases (CO and VOCs) in the presence of high enough levels of NOx. It is an important greenhouse gas with a positive radiative forcing of about +0.35 Wm-2 and is also known to be a menace to human health and have a harmful influence on plants/agricultural production.
Long-term exposure to ozone pollution, among other pollutants, is thought to have contributed to about 5–20% of premature mortalities. In addition to this, some VOC products may also take part in the formation and growth of new particles, known as secondary organic aerosol (SOA), with possible consequences for climate, cloud condensation, and earth’s radiation budget as well as impacting on human health. Hence, we need to understand the significant levels and source strength of precursor gases like VOCs in order to develop ozone control strategies.
Increased anthropogenic activities, particularly in urban areas, can lead to higher levels of trace gases (e.g., surface ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc.) in the air, influence the Earth’s radiation budget, and contribute to climate change. They also significantly impact human health, damage vegetation, and reduce air quality. Significant changes in the mixing ratios of trace gases and the impact of this on climate change have become significant concerns. For example, the maximum hourly mixing ratio of O3 can regularly breach 100 ppbv in megacities such as Delhi, India, where it can reach around 140 ppbv in the summer season. The same pattern is seen in some polluted regions of China and to a lesser extent in urbanized/polluted areas of the U.S. and Europe.
To address these issues, this Research Topic aims to collate studies focussing on the spatial and temporal distribution of trace gases, as well as their compositions, origins, chemistry, the strength of emission sources, and transport of air masses using measurements and atmospheric modeling. The goal is to help to improve the understanding of their implications for the environment and climate prediction.
1. In-situ and satellite measurements of atmospheric composition
2. Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment
3. Association of trace gases with meteorology and Climate Change
4. Understanding the role of trace gases on human health and vegetation in urban areas
5. Air quality modeling for urban areas
The atmosphere is a thin veil of air in which gaseous constituents can be initiated, transported, and physically and chemically transformed. Despite the low mixing ratios of trace gases, they play an important role in atmospheric chemistry as well as climate forcing. Tropospheric Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant, formed in the atmosphere by photo-oxidation of precursor gases (CO and VOCs) in the presence of high enough levels of NOx. It is an important greenhouse gas with a positive radiative forcing of about +0.35 Wm-2 and is also known to be a menace to human health and have a harmful influence on plants/agricultural production.
Long-term exposure to ozone pollution, among other pollutants, is thought to have contributed to about 5–20% of premature mortalities. In addition to this, some VOC products may also take part in the formation and growth of new particles, known as secondary organic aerosol (SOA), with possible consequences for climate, cloud condensation, and earth’s radiation budget as well as impacting on human health. Hence, we need to understand the significant levels and source strength of precursor gases like VOCs in order to develop ozone control strategies.
Increased anthropogenic activities, particularly in urban areas, can lead to higher levels of trace gases (e.g., surface ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc.) in the air, influence the Earth’s radiation budget, and contribute to climate change. They also significantly impact human health, damage vegetation, and reduce air quality. Significant changes in the mixing ratios of trace gases and the impact of this on climate change have become significant concerns. For example, the maximum hourly mixing ratio of O3 can regularly breach 100 ppbv in megacities such as Delhi, India, where it can reach around 140 ppbv in the summer season. The same pattern is seen in some polluted regions of China and to a lesser extent in urbanized/polluted areas of the U.S. and Europe.
To address these issues, this Research Topic aims to collate studies focussing on the spatial and temporal distribution of trace gases, as well as their compositions, origins, chemistry, the strength of emission sources, and transport of air masses using measurements and atmospheric modeling. The goal is to help to improve the understanding of their implications for the environment and climate prediction.
1. In-situ and satellite measurements of atmospheric composition
2. Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment
3. Association of trace gases with meteorology and Climate Change
4. Understanding the role of trace gases on human health and vegetation in urban areas
5. Air quality modeling for urban areas