Analysis of remotely-sensed and surface data of aerosols and meteorology for the Mexico Megalopolis Area between 2003-2015

Dataset

Description

This datasets are part of an aerosol climatology study from 2003-2015 for the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) using remotely sensed aerosol data, ground-based measurements, air mass trajectory modeling, aerosol chemical composition modeling, and reanalysis data for the broader Megalopolis of Central Mexico region. The most extensive biomass burning emissions occur between March and May concurrent with the highest aerosol optical depth, ultraviolet aerosol index, and surface particulate matter (PM) values. A notable enhancement in coarse PM levels is observed during vehicular rush hour periods on weekdays versus weekends owing to non-engine related emissions such as re-suspended dust. Among different species modeled using Goddard Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport model (GOCART), sulfate accounted for most of the aerosol optical depth (highest in May-June), followed by organics. Among wet deposition species measured, PM2.5, PM10, and PMcoarse (PM10 – PM2.5) were best correlated with NH4+, SO42-, and Ca2+, suggesting that the latter three constituents are important components of the aerosol seeding rain drops that eventually deposit to the surface in the study region. Inter-annual trend analysis of measured parameters is presented with a key result being a statistically significant increase in wind speed and ambient temperature from 2003 to 2015 in the study region. Air quality improvements were observed for 2014-2015 owing to reduced regional biomass burning as compared to 2003-2013.
Date made availableJul 19 2024
PublisherPANGAEA

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