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SPoRT Partners Virtual Workshop February 13, 2014

Explore the health hazards of blowing dust, impacts on air quality, and future developments in air quality products and services. Learn how dust storms and human activities affect air quality in Albuquerque, NM.

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SPoRT Partners Virtual Workshop February 13, 2014

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  1. SPoRT Partners Virtual WorkshopFebruary 13, 2014 The Evolution of Air Quality Products and Services at NWS Albuquerque

  2. Health Impacts The “legacy” focus for blowing dust was travel hazards associated with the often abrupt decreases in visibility. Recent research has focused on the health hazards associated with blowing dust. Small particles (< 10μm) pose the greatest hazards as they can be deeply respired into the lungs and remain there. Inert particles can cause asthma, bronchitis and other chronic conditions. Dust containing asbestiform minerals or heavy metals and viruses or fungus are even more toxic.

  3. Health Impacts Our “legacy” product to support deteriorated air quality is the Air Quality Alert (AQA). Air quality alerts are only issued when requested by, and coordinated through, local or state air quality agencies. However, the issuance of an AQA as a standalone product is not sufficient. The fire events of 2011 & 2012 taught us that a combination of products such as enhanced graphicasts, on-line briefings and supportive indices best convey our warning. Albuquerque, NM 6/6/11

  4. Smoke Traditional visible satellite analysis of smoke from the 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski Fire is shown below. Prior to 2011 this was the only event to create widespread impacts to air quality over NM. When smoke drains into populated areas, the sudden degradation in air quality is readily apparent, especially to those with compromised respiratory systems. On the morning of October 19, 2012, smoke from a prescribed burn in the Jemez Mountains drained along the Rio Grande Valley and into Albuquerque, resulting in an Air Quality Alert.

  5. Inversions Twenty years ago, poor air quality in our most populated metro area, Albuquerque, occurred during the winter season, and EPA standards were exceeded a few times each year. Strict “no-burn” policies and car emission regulations have nearly eliminated such episodes. 10/31/12 11:13am 10/31/12 2:04pm Capping Inversion

  6. Dust Strong winds across NM, especially when combined with deep atmospheric mixing, can result in the lofting of large amounts of particulate matter into the air. Dust storms increase in severity during periods of prolonged drought. While impacts to travel due to reduced visibilities are a major concern, the high concentrations of the particulate matter pose serious health hazards. Dust RGB 1924Z April 15, 2011 Infrared 1745Z April 15, 2011 Albuquerque Tower April 8, 2013 Albuquerque Tower April 15, 2013

  7. Historic Fire Seasons The Wallow Fire was the 1st majorwildfire to create widespread impacts to air quality for NM in nearly 10 years. This was a huge opportunity for the decision support framework and the introduction to unique analysis & forecast products. Graphicasts were improved toadd more satellite imagery and posts were included in social media. Simple graphicastsincluded hand drawn smoke plumes & HYSPLIT trajectories. Southwest Coordination Centerprepared concentration graphicsfor use in special partner briefingsand graphicasts. NDFD graphics were also used to present detailed informationon smoke concentrations.

  8. Historic Fire SeasonsMay 31, 2013 12Z KLVS TAF 16Z 24015G25KT P6SM SKC 18Z 27026G35KT 6SM BLDU 02Z 34015G25KT P6SM SKC 18Z KLVS TAF 18Z 250G35KT 6SM BLDU SKC 02Z 30015G25KT P6SM SKC 04Z 34010KT P6SM SKC 21Z KLVS TAF AMD 21Z 28020G30KT 4SM FU BKN040 02Z 30015G25KT 2SM FU SCT040 04Z 34010KT P6SM SKC MODIS-VIIRS True Color 1735Z MODIS-VIIRS True Color 2043Z

  9. Drought & Dust GFE Example DUST DUST MODIS-VIIRS True Color NM ROADS

  10. Drought & DustMarch 5, 2013 Operational Change toDust Advisory or Air Quality Alert? Screen Capture Active Wind/Dust Day

  11. SPoRT products will continue to add to the quality and uniqueness of information delivered to our customers. Need robust verification of dust and smoke events. Analyze PM2.5 concentrations at various locales in NMon days with smoke and blowing dust. Extended drought will emphasize new product developments beyond the AQA (dust advisory). Develop & integrate a database of source regions Focus on incorporating better spatial/temporal coverage into forecast process, including aviation. Increase understanding of the meteorology leading to poor air quality days. Future Focus

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