the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Analysis of an intense O3 pollution episode in the Atlantic Coast of the Iberian Peninsula using photochemical modelling: characterization of transport pathways and accumulation processes
Eduardo Torre-Pascual
Gotzon Gangoiti
Ana Rodríguez-García
Estíbaliz Sáez de Cámara
Joana Ferreira
Carla Gama
María Carmen Gómez
Iñaki Zuazo
Jose Antonio García
Maite de Blas
Abstract. A tropospheric O3 pollution episode over the Atlantic Coast of the Iberian Peninsula during August 2–6 in 2018 has been analyzed. The episode was characterized by a permanent wind shear throughout the entire period, making the observed ozone surface distribution especially difficult to explain. A new methodology is described analyzing upper-level atmospheric parameters, such as temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and O3 concentrations, added to the traditional use of surface parameters, using WRF-CAMx models and available surface and upper-air observations. Results indicate that the episode was characterized by a first phase of a sudden increase in O3 concentrations produced by fumigation and interregional transport processes within the Iberian Peninsula, followed by a continental O3 transport from Europe to the Atlantic Coast. An Atlantic front produced the dissipation of the episode, generating an “ozone front” heading the cold front passage across the region.
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Eduardo Torre-Pascual et al.
Status: open (until 27 Oct 2023)
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RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-387', Anonymous Referee #2, 02 Oct 2023
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This study investigates a tropospheric O3 pollution episode over WAI and NAI in Spain and Portugal during August 2-6, 2018. The episode witnessed an abrupt rise in O3 concentrations in both regions, exceeding regulatory thresholds. Using the WRF-CAMx model, the authors analyzed the transport mechanisms and potential sources of photochemical pollutants influencing these areas. The topic of this work is interesting, and the result is helpful for better control of O3 pollution in these areas. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed before the paper can be considered for publication.
Specific Comments:
Line 15: has a similar approach, i.e., combing upper and lower tropospheric parameters, been used to investigate tropospheric O3 in other studies?
Lines 25-26: need to be rephrased.
Lines 30-33: the authors mention the lack of detailed research on O3 issues in the Atlantic Coast of the Iberian Peninsula but do not explain why studying this region is important. It would be beneficial to include a sentence to explain the significance and value of investigating O3 problems in this area.
Lines 64-65: it would be better to explain the selection of the O3 pollution episode in Aug 2-6 2018.
Section 3.1 focuses on the validation of meteorological variables, which is not the major target of this work. It could be better to move some less important figures and tables in this section to the supplement.
Figures 13-16: panel numbers (i.e., a, b, c) should be added and mentioned in the discussion to facilitate the audience. It could be helpful to integrate Figures 13 and 16 to show O3 concentration evolution in 1-7 August continuously instead of 1-3 and 6-7 August in two figures. Furthermore, the discussions in this section are difficult to follow, particularly, the discussions about Figures 14 and 15.
Section 3.3: It is suggested to move the O3 validation in this section forward because reliable simulation of O3 concentrations is the prerequisite for the simulation-based analysis shown in Section 3.2. Figures and tables are required to be shown to demonstrate the validation results.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-387-RC1
Eduardo Torre-Pascual et al.
Eduardo Torre-Pascual et al.
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