Advancing Biogenic VOC Emissions Modeling for the Wasatch Front: Emission Factors, Speciation, and Stress-Induced Emissions
The project aims to improve Biogenic Volatile Organic Compound (BVOC) Emissions Modeling for the Wasatch Front, which is essential for developing effective air pollution control strategies for the region’s ozone nonattainment. The scope of work includes synthesizing an updated BVOC emission factor database, enhancing rural landcover inputs for the MEGAN model using datasets like LANDFIRE and USFS FIA, and updating MEGAN species mappings to chemical mechanisms, including support for CB7 with VCP. Key deliverables and outcomes include improved MEGAN model inputs, a more accurate regional BVOC emissions inventory, and quantification of stress-induced and lawn-mowing BVOC emissions, all to be provided to UDAQ.
VOC to NOx relationships and Impacts of Smoke on Ozone in the Wasatch Front
To meet ozone standards in the Wasatch Front, this project analyzes the role of local and non-local emissions, especially from wildfires. Researchers will assess wildfire impacts on ozone and PM2.5 levels using satellite and in-situ data, and study ozone sensitivity to NOx and VOCs through formaldehyde-to-NO2 ratios. Insights from this work will inform emission reduction strategies for high ozone days.
Temporal and Spatial Measurements of Surface-to-Boundary Layer Ozone using Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)
Using drones and portable ozone monitors, this research will capture detailed pollutant data near the Great Salt Lake to complement existing ground and airborne measurements. Coordinated with the Utah Summer Ozone Study (USOS), the project will gather crucial information on ozone and other pollutants to address research goals on ozone sources and vertical oxidant exchange.
Quantification of Halogen-Initiated Atmospheric Chemistry in the Wasatch Front
Focused on the unique atmospheric chemistry of Salt Lake City, this study investigates the influence of regional halogen emissions on ozone and particulate matter. By measuring chlorine-induced reactions with volatile organic compounds, researchers will quantify the extent of halogen-driven oxidation. The findings will provide essential data on how regional industrial emissions contribute to air quality issues.
Projecting the impacts of a shrinking Great Salt Lake on dust exposure along the Wasatch Front
This project examines the dust exposure risks from the receding Great Salt Lake, using models to simulate dust emissions and transport across the Wasatch Front. It will evaluate the impact of different water levels on dust exposure, providing Utah DAQ with data to determine dust source contributions and identify communities at risk.
Improving Soil NOx Emission Estimates for the Wasatch Front
This study examines the impact of soil nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions on air quality in the Northern Wasatch Front, with a focus on refining NOx emissions modeling. By updating inputs in the Berkeley-Dalhousie Soil NOx Parameterization (BDSNP) for the MEGAN biogenic emissions model, the project aims to improve NOx emission estimates. Results will enhance understanding of soil contributions to air pollution, aiding in regulatory strategies for cleaner air.
Assessing Global Background Ozone Transport Pathways to the Northern Wasatch Front
This project uses high-resolution modeling to explore how international and regional ozone is transported into the Northern Wasatch Front. By analyzing vertical transport patterns, the study will provide a mechanistic understanding of ozone levels in the area, supporting regulatory planning. The findings are crucial for refining air quality models and informing future policy demonstrations.
Utah Summer Ozone Study (USOS)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is leading a large-scale campaign that will increase our understanding of ozone chemistry and emissions sources. During the Utah Summer Ozone Study (USOS), NOAA will be deploying two mobile labs and an aircraft that contains an exhaustive suite of instrumentation to measure the meteorology and ozone precursors that drive harmful summertime pollution in
The Salt Lake Regional Smoke, Ozone and Aerosol Study (SAMOZA)
The University of Washington, Utah State University and the University of Montana will conduct a detailed study of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Salt Lake Valley (SLV). Using new VOC observations, plus existing measurements of NOx, CO and PM2.5, they will use a variety of analyses to understand O3 formation and the sources of PM2.5 in the SLV during the summertime season. In addition, they will conduct photochemical modeling and statistical/machine learning analyses to improve our understanding of O3 photochemistry. We expect to gain significant new policy-relevant insights on what controls high concentrations of O3 in the SLV during both smoke-influenced and non-smoke conditions.
- Principal Investigator: Dan Jaffe (University of Washington)
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $280,516
Improving Smoke Detection and Quantifying the Wildfire Smoke Impacts on Local Air Quality Using Modeling and Machine Learning Techniques
Though it can be easy to tell that wildfire smoke has negative impacts on urban air quality, there is no tool to quantitatively measure wildfire impacts, nor to identify whether exceedance days are due to wildfire smoke or other emissions. The first scope of this work will develop a new plume rise model to estimate the plume injection heights for larger wildfires, which will improve simulations of smoke transport and downwind air pollution concentrations. The second scope of this work is to use CTM (chemical transport model) ensemble simulations to determine wildfire smoke contributions to local air quality using source apportionment techniques. The last scope of this work is to develop a fast-response tool to identify federal standards (NAAQS) exceedance days with large contributions from wildfire smoke.
- Principal Investigator: Heather Holmes (University of Utah)
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $61,738
Improved Vegetation Data for the Biogenic Emission Inventory of Wasatch Front
The goal of this project is to improve numerical predictions of regional ozone and aerosol distributions in the Wasatch Front by developing more accurate estimates of biogenic volatile organic carbon (BVOC) emissions for the urban areas within the Northern Wasatch Front. Specifically, this project will upgrade modeled MEGAN (Model of Emissions of Gasses and Aerosols from Nature) BVOC emission estimates by analyzing high-resolution satellite imagery using machine learning, object-based classifications that are calibrated and assessed by field observations. Such techniques have already successfully been applied in Texas and California. These techniques will improve MEGAN landcover inputs for the Wasatch Front region including time-varying Leaf Area Index (LAI), growth form fractions (tree, shrub, crops, herbaceous plants) and tree species composition (e.g., relative abundance of oaks, poplars, pines, spruce, etc). The benefit of this project will be an improved MEGAN emission model for the Wasatch Front that is available for use in air quality models that are critical for our scientific understanding and the development of effective regulatory strategies.
- Principal Investigator: Tejas Shah (Ramboll US Consulting)
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $124,797
Development of a WRF-based Urban Canopy Model for the Greater Salt Lake City Area
Brigham Young University will conduct a two-year project that will utilize state-of-the-science meteorological modeling with land use descriptions of the Great Salt Lake area to characterize impacts of urban growth on local meteorological conditions. Model methodology and usage will be documented so air quality modelers can use existing or self-developed future results for additional urban growth and air pollutant assessments.
- Principal Investigator: Bradley Adams (BYU)
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $59,411
Assessing Wintertime Ozone Prediction Sensitivity to Photochemical Mechanism
Ramboll and the Utah State University – Bingham Research Center (BRC) will conduct a study to thoroughly investigate wintertime ozone prediction sensitivity in the Uinta Basin among two current photochemical mechanisms using a consistent modeling platform. Recent air quality modeling conducted by BRC using different modeling systems indicates that the Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (RACM) produces much higher ozone concentrations than the Carbon Bond (CB) mechanisms. Ramboll and the BRC will comprehensively test and understand RACM2 performance in simulating wintertime ozone in the Uinta Basin relative to the CB version 6 (CB6) mechanism currently implemented in the CAMx air quality model used by the Utah Division of Air Quality.
- Principal Investigators: Greg Yarwood (Ramboll), Seth Lyman (Utah State University)
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $98,048
Improving WRF/CMAQ Model Performance using Satellite Data Assimilation Technique for the Uintah Basin
This study will test if satellite observations of vegetation and land use can be used to improve photochemical model performance in the Uintah basin. An improved model will help inform emission reduction strategies and regulatory action.
- Principal Investigators: Huy Tran, Trang Tran (USU)
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $38,392