1 / 12

IMPROVE Algorithm for Estimating Light Extinction

This draft proposes revised recommendations for the IMPROVE Algorithm, aiming to improve accuracy in estimating light extinction for regional haze assessment. The revised algorithm includes changes in component terms and extinction efficiency models for sulfate, nitrate, organic components, and sea salt. The algorithm accounts for various aerosol sizes, origins, and environmental factors to provide more precise haze estimates. Implementation steps for adapting the algorithm in the Regional Haze Rule application are outlined, emphasizing the need for approval, data recalculations, and support for transition to the revised algorithm.

hwilson
Download Presentation

IMPROVE Algorithm for Estimating Light Extinction

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. IMPROVE Algorithm for Estimating Light Extinction Draft Recommendations to the IMPROVE Steering Committee

  2. Current IMPROVE Algorithm • Assumptions include that • Six particle component terms plus a constant Rayleigh scattering term are sufficient for a good estimate of light extinction; • Constant dry extinction efficiency terms for each of the six particle components works adequately for all locations and times; and • Light extinction by the individual particle components can be adequately estimated as separate terms (like externally mixed components).

  3. Reasons for Revision • Regional Haze Rule utilizes the IMPROVE algorithm for calculating the RHR index • Haze index is in deciview (a logarithmic transformation of light extinction) • Calls for improvement in 20% worst haze to natural levels by 2064 • Rate of progress for each 10-year SIP period is linear between current and natural haze levels • So haze estimates need to be good at the upper and lower extremes, should have no fixable biases and should include all important contributions even if exclusively from natural sources

  4. Recommended Revised IMPROVE Algorithm (Changed terms are in Bold Font) where and nitrate and organic are split using the same process

  5. Split Component Extinction Efficiency Model for Sulfate, Nitrate, and Organic components • Small size dominates at low concentrations, while large size dominates at high concentrations • Small size is likely young aerosol produce by homogenous gas to particle processes. • Large size is likely aged aerosol involving cloud processing. • Composite dry extinction efficiency varies linearly from 2.2 to 4.8m2/g • Small: Dg = 0.2μm & g = 2.2 • Large: Dg = 0.5μm & g = 1.5 • Different size distributions dictate different water grow function, f(RH)

  6. Other New or Revised Terms • Organic Compound Mass to Organic Carbon Mass Ratio changed from 1.4 to 1.8 • Sea Salt = 1.8 x [Chlorine] and has its own water growth term fSS(RH). Important at coastal locations • Rayleigh Scattering is calculated for the monitoring site elevation and annual mean temperature and integer rounded. Ranges from 8Mm-1 at 10,000’ to 12Mm-1at sea level • NO2 light absorption in the visible is included for sites that have such data (not routinely available at IMPROVE sites)

  7. Bias = (estimated – measured)/measured

  8. Implementation Steps for Regional Haze Rule Application • IMPROVE Steering Committee approval – 11/05 • Calculation of water growth functions for monthly & annual averaged conditions for each monitoring site – SAIC task-1 to 2 months • Recalculation of current (5-year baseline) and natural haze levels – VIEWS-1 month • EPA modifies the regional haze guidance, so states can choose – 6 to 12 months • VIEWS will support both versions of the algorithm for the foreseeable future

More Related