Author(s)

G. Latini, R. C. Grifoni & G. Passerini

Abstract

Influence of meteorological parameters on urban and suburban air pollution G. Latini, R. Cocci Grifoni, G. Passerini Dipartimento di Energetica, Ancona University, Italy. Abstract A study was carried out to investigate the effects of meteorological conditions on atmospheric pollutant concentrations in a complex area. In general serious pollution episodes in the urban and suburban environment are not directly caused by sudden increases in the emission of pollutants but results from unfavourable meteorological conditions. These unfavourable conditions may reduce the ability of the atmosphere to disperse pollutants and transport pollutants from other areas. The aim of this paper is to estimate impacts of the Esino Valley microclimate, topography, and emission sources on the urban and suburban air pollution characteristics, to determine the main meteorological factors that influence air pollution phenomena and quantify their impact on the air pollution levels in the valley. Data used in this study (namely meteorological conditions, Ozone, NO2, and SO2 concentrations) were compiled from hourly records for the period 1989-1999 in the Esino Valley. 1 Introduction The Esino Valley is a complex coastal area in a central region of Italy comprising valleys, hills, urban and industrial zones. This ’area is bounded by the sea to the east, mountains to the west, and complex orography to the north and south. The valley is characterised by a river bed that is roughly perpendicular to the coast in a NE direction. The climate in this area is classified under subcoastal where there is an all year round sea breeze. The complex orography results in a considerable variability of local climates within this region. Typically, the Esino Valley experiences an almost continuous mountain and sea breezes driven by the

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