Ozone Concentrations in the Central Wasatch Mountains of Utah

Abstract

In the Salt Lake Valley, a June through August SUM60 value (sum of hourly average ozone concentrations ≥60 parts per billion by volume [ppbv]) of 25,000 ppbv-hr was exceeded in 9 yr between 1978 and 1998. Ozone concentrations in the nearby Central Wasatch Mountains were monitored to determine the potential for vegetation injury. The SUM60 value of 19,000 ppbv-hr in these mountains and peak hourly concentrations >100 ppbv suggests that ozone-sensitive species may be injured. Ozone concentrations in the mountains were greatest during periods of strong upslope winds from the Salt Lake Valley. Both SUM60 values and hourly average concentrations in the Central Wasatch Mountains were strongly correlated with those in the Salt Lake Valley, suggesting that data from valley stations could be used to estimate ozone in the mountains.