An investigation of long-range transport of ozone across the midwestern and eastern united states

Long-range transport of ozone across the midwestern and eastern U.S. was investigated by analyzing daily ozone isopleth maps and comparing them to meteorological maps and air parcel trajectories for the period April 12-23, 1976. This period was characterized by the presence of a large high pressure system which produced widespread ozone concentrations of greater than 0.08 ppm as well as record-breaking maximum springtime temperatures over much of the study area. Daily maximum ozone values from the state networks were used to produce the daily ozone maps. Movement of areas of high ozone concentrations corresponded to the movement of the high pressure system. Actual transport across these areas is supported by trajectory analysis. Daily visibility maps were also prepared and they suggest that areas of low visibility generally coincide with areas of elevated ozone under certain conditions.