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Increasing Co-occurrence of Fine Particulate Matter and Ground-level Ozone Extremes In The Western United States

Abstract

ildfires and meteorological conditions influence the co-occurrence of multiple harmful air pollutants including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. We examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of PM2.5/ozone co-occurrences and associated population exposure in the western United States (US). The frequency, spatial extent, and temporal persistence of extreme PM2.5/ozone co-occurrences have increased significantly between 2001 and 2020, increasing annual population exposure to multiple harmful air pollutants by ~25 million person-days/year. Using a clustering methodology to characterize daily weather patterns, we identify significant increases in atmospheric ridging patterns conducive to widespread PM2.5/ozone co-occurrences and population exposure. We further link the spatial extent of co-occurrence to the extent of extreme heat and wildfires. Our results suggest an increasing potential for co-occurring air pollution episodes in the western US with continued climate change.

Article / Publication Data
Active/Online
YES
Available Metadata
DOI ↗
Fiscal Year
Peer Reviewed
YES
Publication Name
Science Advances
Published On
January 05, 2022
Publisher Name
Science
Print Volume
8
Issue
1
Submitted On
April 20, 2021
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Authors

Authors who have authored or contributed to this publication.