The Impact of Atmospheric Synoptic Weather Condition and Long-Range Transportation of Air Mass on Extreme PM₁₀ Concentration Events

Abstract

Atmospheric synoptic weather patterns have a significant impact on the concentration, dispersion, and transportation of air pollution in various regions and times around the world. To assess the impact of atmospheric synoptic weather patterns and long-range air mass transportation, we used weather classification techniques from the BP training model and the HYSPLIT model. Our research uncovered four weather conditions linked to PM10 concentration categories ranging from normal to extreme. Weather conditions 3 and 4 are the most significant conditions supporting the occurrence of extreme concentration events that are heavily influenced by anti-cyclones. Despite weather conditions influencing high concentrations, 60% of long-distance air mass transport to Secunda from Mpumalanga province increased to extreme PM10 concentrations. Furthermore, long-term weather shifts have been observed to positively impact reducing the concentration of PM10 extreme events.

Keywords

• PM₁₀ concentration
• air quality
• synoptic weather circulation
• extreme events