Impact of meteorological conditions on a nine-day particulate matter pollution event observed in December 2013, Shanghai, China

Abstract A severe particulate matter pollution event occurred in Shanghai from 1 to 9 December 2013. The mean hourly mass concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were 211.9 and 249.0 μg/m 3 , respectively. Reanalysis data, in situ, and remote-sensing measurements were used to examine the impacts of meteorological conditions on this event. It was found that the synoptic pattern of weak pressure, the reduced planetary boundary layer height, and the passage of two cold fronts were key factors causing the event. Four stages were identified during this event based on the evolution of its PM 2.5 levels and weather conditions. The highest concentration of PM 2.5 (602 μg/m 3 ) was observed in stage 3. High PM 2.5 concentrations were closely associated with a low local ventilation index, with an average of 505 m 2 /s, as well as with the influx of pollutants from upstream, transported by the cold fronts.

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