Formation and Transport of Ozone in the Northeast Quadrant of the United States
SourceThe very high concentrations of ozone measured in Connecticut and elsewhere along the Northeast and Mid Atlantic Coast were investigated through the analysis of data from the entire 1976 ozone season from 19 northeastern and midwestern states, National Weather Service meteorological data, and air parcel trajectories. For several high ozone episodes, the relationship between the movement of and circulation within a high pressure system across the northeast quadrant of the United States and the buildup of ozone concentrations was clearly demonstrated. Air parcel trajectory analysis, coupled with source density information, was utilized for several well-defined episodes in 1976 to show that ozone measured at various locations throughout the study area is partially generated locally and partially transported from substantial distances.