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Air quality dispersion models have an important place in air quality management. They are essential tools in the development of action plans for improving air quality.
Models improve the effectiveness of air quality management. Through models, the contributions to exceedences of limit values from various sources and source categories can be established.
Based upon model
estimates it may also be possible to design measurement networks (i.e.
(re)locate stations) in a given area. Knowledge about the spatial distribution of the pollutant concentrations in the area is therefore required, and models are appropriate tools to obtain
this information.
Input
data
To operate the models there will be a need for several types of input data, such as:
- Emission data,
- Area characteristics,
- Measured air quality data,
- Meteorological data,
- Dispersion coefficients/turbulence information,
- Receptor point locations / grid
Dispersion models developed at NILU may be introduced and used in all types of assessment studies. Models normally have a temporal resolution of one hour.
Models
for assessment studies
Another main advantage to be gained from using models in assessment and management of air quality is that it enhances the ability to map the spatial distribution of the pollutant concentrations. By using models suitable for the scale and application in question, all scales
from regional background to city quarters and streets, may be mapped. This opens the possibility to relax on the measurement requirements
( reduce the number of stations), and thus produce a more cost-effective, and yet complete, air quality assessment.
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