Air Quality Forecasting at the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center

The Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC) has been conducting air quality modeling research since 1988 with the development of the Regional Acid Deposition Model (RADM) which provided the scientific framework for the United States EPA Models-3 Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ). In July of 2001, ASRC developed an integrated air quality forecast modeling system comprised of a meso-scale meteorological model, and chemical transport and emission models (Cai et al, 2008). Operational air quality forecasts have been provided through a web-based data display platform since 2001. State-of-the-science upgrades of the meteorological and chemical transport models were recently performed (March 2009) on the air quality forecasting system.


The air quality forecasting tool and its data products will be used:

1. to study process science affecting model performance with respect to air quality management;
2. to provide running/continuous model evaluation throughout the year;
3. to track progress in air pollution mitigation strategies;
4. to provide basic information in support of the development of interactive optimal emission control strategies via forecast emission interventions;
5. to explore applications in support of exposure assessments and health effects research;
6. to promote interactions and collaborations among industry, governmental agencies, and academia to study air quality and its impact on our society;
7. to provide educational outreach to the public at large regarding the air quality levels and the potential health effects

In conjunction with our own Air Quality Forecast Modeling system, the Center is also currently hosting the Air Quality Validation and Intercomparison Site, a joint effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. This project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).