As the lowest portion of the troposphere, the planetary boundary layer (PBL) regulates the fluxes of energy, momentum, and matter between the surface and the free troposphere. The physical and chemical processes within the PBL are critical to the formation of air pollution. The PBL height largely determines vertical volume for the dispersion and dilution of air pollutants, influencing both the surface forcing and synoptic condition. Meanwhile, complex chemical formation and removal processes within the PBL govern the concentration levels and spatiotemporal characteristics of atmospheric pollutants, especially secondary pollutants. At present, physical and chemical processes within the PBL and their impacts on air pollution are still far from well known in many heavily polluted regions around the world. Further field measurements, laboratory experiments, and model simulations are needed to advance our understanding of such processes and their interactions with air pollution.
With the rapid development of PBL monitoring and modeling, this Research Topic aims to bring together novel experimental, observational, and numerical studies regarding the changes in PBL physical and chemical characteristics and associated impacts on air pollution on multiple spatiotemporal scales. Studies related to the changes in pollutant fate, chemical mechanism, meteorological features within the PBL, etc. are welcome, especially their potential impacts on the air quality in densely populated urban regions. The goal of this Research Topic is to extend our understanding of the interaction of PBL processes and air pollution, and explore the predominant factors/mechanisms controlling the chemical composition of air pollution. Finally, control strategies to improve regional air quality are outlined accordingly for decision-makers.
This Research Topic welcomes submissions of Original Research, Review, Respective, Opinion, and Brief Research Report articles regarding physical/chemical processes within the PBL and their impacts on air pollution. The highlights of this topic include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
1. New or improved method for monitoring/modeling the PBL physical/chemical processes
2. Influence of surface forcing and synoptic condition on the PBL
3. Impact of the PBL structure on the spatial distribution of air pollutants and the feedback
4. Roles of PBL physical and chemical processes in air pollution
5. Control measures on reducing the primary and secondary pollutants
As the lowest portion of the troposphere, the planetary boundary layer (PBL) regulates the fluxes of energy, momentum, and matter between the surface and the free troposphere. The physical and chemical processes within the PBL are critical to the formation of air pollution. The PBL height largely determines vertical volume for the dispersion and dilution of air pollutants, influencing both the surface forcing and synoptic condition. Meanwhile, complex chemical formation and removal processes within the PBL govern the concentration levels and spatiotemporal characteristics of atmospheric pollutants, especially secondary pollutants. At present, physical and chemical processes within the PBL and their impacts on air pollution are still far from well known in many heavily polluted regions around the world. Further field measurements, laboratory experiments, and model simulations are needed to advance our understanding of such processes and their interactions with air pollution.
With the rapid development of PBL monitoring and modeling, this Research Topic aims to bring together novel experimental, observational, and numerical studies regarding the changes in PBL physical and chemical characteristics and associated impacts on air pollution on multiple spatiotemporal scales. Studies related to the changes in pollutant fate, chemical mechanism, meteorological features within the PBL, etc. are welcome, especially their potential impacts on the air quality in densely populated urban regions. The goal of this Research Topic is to extend our understanding of the interaction of PBL processes and air pollution, and explore the predominant factors/mechanisms controlling the chemical composition of air pollution. Finally, control strategies to improve regional air quality are outlined accordingly for decision-makers.
This Research Topic welcomes submissions of Original Research, Review, Respective, Opinion, and Brief Research Report articles regarding physical/chemical processes within the PBL and their impacts on air pollution. The highlights of this topic include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
1. New or improved method for monitoring/modeling the PBL physical/chemical processes
2. Influence of surface forcing and synoptic condition on the PBL
3. Impact of the PBL structure on the spatial distribution of air pollutants and the feedback
4. Roles of PBL physical and chemical processes in air pollution
5. Control measures on reducing the primary and secondary pollutants