Observed suppression of ozone formation at extremely high temperatures due to chemical and biophysical feedbacks

Ground level ozone concentrations ([O₃]) typically show a direct linear relationship with surface air temperature. Three decades of California measurements provide evidence of a statistically significant change in the ozone-temperature slope (Δm O3-T ) under extremely high temperatures (>312 K)....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 2010-11, Vol.107 (46), p.19685-19690
Main Authors: Steiner, Allison L., Davis, Adam J., Sillman, Sanford, Owen, Robert C., Michalak, Anna M., Fiore, Arlene M., Finlayson-Pitts, Barbara J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air quality
Biophysical Phenomena
Biophysics
Butadienes - analysis
California
Chemical Phenomena
Chemical reactions
Climate change
Climate models
Computer Simulation
Feedback
Geography
Hemiterpenes - analysis
High temperature
Hot Temperature
Measurement
Meteorology
Models, Statistical
Nitric oxide
Ozone
Ozone - analysis
Ozone formation
Pentanes - analysis
Physical Sciences
Pollutant emissions
Statistical significance
Volatile organic compounds
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Summary:Ground level ozone concentrations ([O₃]) typically show a direct linear relationship with surface air temperature. Three decades of California measurements provide evidence of a statistically significant change in the ozone-temperature slope (Δm O3-T ) under extremely high temperatures (>312 K). This Δm O3-T leads to a plateau or decrease in [O₃], reflecting the diminished role of nitrogen oxide sequestration by peroxyacetyl nitrates and reduced biogenic isoprene emissions at high temperatures. Despite inclusion of these processes in global and regional chemistry-climate models, a statistically significant change in Δm O3-T has not been noted in prior studies. Future climate projections suggest a more frequent and spatially widespread occurrence of this Δm O3-T response, confounding predictions of extreme ozone events based on the historically observed linear relationship.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.1008336107