Air Pollution Transport and How It Affects New Hampshire

A Report Prepared by the

N.H. Department of Environmental Services May 18, 2004

How Does Air Pollution Move Around?

… With the wind

Just as weather forecasters look to where the wind is coming from to predict tomorrow’s weather, air pollution forecasters look upwind to predict tomorrow’s air quality.

150,000

75,000

Tons Per Year of Nitrogen Oxides

Emissions

Typical Wind Patterns on Bad Air Days in the Northeast, Along with Pollution Source Locations

Arrows show winds blowing from the Ohio Valley towards New HampshireNitrogen oxides are key pollutants that cause smog

Ozone builds during the day, beginning in upwind areas, and transports into New Hampshire late in the day

Recent Ground-Recent Ground-level Ozone level Ozone Event in the Event in the NortheastNortheast

Air Pollution Build-up and Transport

Satellite Observation of a Widespread Smog Event

Smog is evident over land and water, transported hundreds of miles

Satellite Observation of Another Widespread Smog Event

Smog is transported over 700 miles offshore

What Do You See In This Photograph?

On a Clear Day, You Would See Mt. Jefferson

What Is This Famous New Hampshire Landmark?

On a Clear Day, You Would Know It’s Mt. Washington