Case Study/Introduction

Mathematical modeling of air quality is a major component of any comprehensive air quality program. The mathematical modeling effort includes the development of a mathematical model, evaluation of its performance against experimental data (or against another model), and application of the model. A conceptual framework for the design of an air quality and meteorological modeling system for [this] study consists of several essential components. ... First, we present a conceptual model that identifies the general processes that must be considered and some of the site-specific characteristics that must be included in the modeling study. Then, we review the fundamental mathematical model components and discuss the suitability of existing models. Finally, the data required to operate and evaluate the model are identified. Identification of the data is the essential link between the air quality modeling task and the field measurement program, since it defines which data need to be collected for the successful completion of an air quality program.

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The goals of the modeling task include:

  1. development of a comprehensive, state-of-the-science, three-dimensional modeling system (comprising meteorological, emissions, and air quality models) suitable for the simulation of ozone concentrations, PM-10 concentrations, visibility degradation, and acid deposition;
  2. evaluation of the modeling system and its individual components against experimental data collected during the ... field program;
  3. application of the model to estimate the effect of changes in emission levels on ozone concentrations, PM-10 concentrations, visibility degradation, and acid deposition.

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