An Analysis of Air Masses Associated with Federal Ozone Exceedances Across St. Louis, Missouri: 2001–2010

Abstract

The St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan region has a history of poor air quality. Although some studies have examined the surface and atmospheric conditions associated with federal ozone exceedances across St. Louis, little research has been done on the air mass types associated with ozone exceedances in this region. The research is a first step in that direction. Days with ozone exceedances from 2001 to 2010 were classified according to the accompanying air mass type that dominated the region on each of those days. This study found that over 70 percent of ozone exceedances occurred on days with maritime tropical air masses, and over 20 percent occurred on days with dry tropical masses. Exceedances also occurred with dry moderate air masses in the region. It is hoped that recognizing air masses associated with ozone exceedances will allow us to better alert the residents of these dangerous events.

Keywords:

• applied climatology
• ozone
• St. Louis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark L. Hildebrandt

MARK L. HILDEBRANDT is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026–1459. E-mail: [email protected]. His research interests include climate change, air pollution, snow and ice processes, and polar and alpine environments.