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Ground-based LiDAR and air quality observations on Grouse Mountain, British Columbia during the summer of 2018

University of British Columbia

Widespread and persistent summer multi-day episodes characterized by dense layers of wild- fire smoke emanating from western wildfires have increased in frequency in recent years across western Canada. These events often occur under otherwise clear sky anti-cyclonic weather conditions and have significant impacts on surface temperatures, surface radiation and energy budgets. Here, we present previously undocumented mountain-top, wildfire influenced particulate matter concentrations and compare them to those recorded in the valley. The distribution of particulate matter both temporally and spatially is presented as well. The focus of this observational study is in the vicinity of Grouse Mountain, near Vancouver, British Columbia. Observations are made using a GRIMM 1.108 Dustcheck mini-mass-spectrometer, a Dylos DC1100 Pro air quality monitor, a mini micropulse LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and vertical sounding using mini sondes (WINDSOND). The Hybrid Single Particle Langrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) air pollution modelling software is used to track parcels of wildfire smoke. Results show enhanced mountain-top particulate matter concentrations with many instances displaying higher concentrations on Grouse than in the valley, most commonly under anti cyclonic conditions. Evidence of a mountain boundary layer in the presence of smoke is presented, as well as signs of suppressed convective venting and more stable vertical profiles, likely due to the radiative effects of smoke.

Text

2019-10-21

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/71986

Geography

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/