Budgets of atmospheric sulfur for East Germany based on meso-α-scale simulations

Abstract

Two SANA special observation episodes have been simulated with the EURAD model. The first one (called SANA­A) extends from 10 to 20 October 1990 and the second episode (SANA-B) extends from 28 August to 6 September 1991. Using the simulation results the budget of atmospheric sulfur for East Germany is analysed. In the vertical direction the planetary boundary layer and a part of the lower free troposphere are considered. Within the chosen domain local emissions and horizontal advection are the dominating factors for the accumulation of sulfur during both episodes. But the two differ with respect to deposition and conversion rates from sulfur-dioxide to sulfate. The sulfate fraction of the total sulfur is higher for the summer episode SANA-B. On the other hand the degree of pollution i.e. the total mass of sulfur is higher for the SANA-A episode. Reasons for this are: The reduction of emissions due to economical changes in East Germany and the seasonal differences of lignite coal firing (the main source of local emissions). In addition, the atmospheric flow pattern causes a strong inflow from the so-called "Black Triangle" during SANA-A.

Keywords

• eurad model
• sulfur-dioxide
• pollution
• lignite coal firing
• east germany
• eurad modell
• schwefeldioxid
• verschmutzung
• kohleverfeuerung
• ostdeutschland