Objective
To evaluate the chemical processing of non-methane hydrocarbons across the North Sea atmosphere.
The project investigates the importance of non-methane hydrocarbons in the production of secondary pollutants over transport distances of the order of 1000 km and over timescales of 1-3 days. The chemical processes will be studied in a relatively simple, but large scale, reaction chamber, i.e. the atmosphere at 4 coastal sites above the North Sea and at Mace Head and Porsdoper, using a combination of real data and five theoretical models.
The importance of different decomposition pathways in the formation of photooxidants will be studied for some hydrocarbons. The importance of the sea as a source and sink of natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbons will also be evaluated.
The measured data will be input into a number of existing European models with varying degrees of chemistry and meteorology. Initially, model simulation will be performed using the complementary IVL trajectory model and the EMEP MSC-W ozone model. The results will be expanded and the simulations repeated using the two-layer trajectory model MPA, developed by RIVM. The results from the three trajectory models will then be generalised by the use of two three-dimensional models : the Bergen University model and the LOTOS (Long Term Ozone Simulation) model.
The combination of extensive measurements and modelling will serve to validate the models and improve existing European emission inventories.
The reliability of these models for the evaluation of cost effective abatement strategies will also be established.
Funding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
Norwich
United Kingdom
Participants (6)
75251 Paris
5007 Bergen
3720 BA Bilthoven
2600 JA Delft
11427 Stockholm
5007 Bergen
