Comparison of the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles Basin HOx Systems

The San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles Basin are areas with the worst air pollution in the United States and with distinct differences in their atmospheric chemical composition. This study attempts to describe and compare the odd hydrogen radical (HOx ≡ OH + HO2 + RO2) systems of both the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles Basin. Additionally, the chemistry of HOx and nitrogen oxides (NOx ≡ NO + NO2), as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), drives the production of harmful tropospheric ozone (PO3). To improve our understanding the HOx cycles in these areas, an analytical model and measurements of chemical compounds from the June 17th and 18th, 2016 NASA SARP flights were evaluated. First, this study compares the magnitude and distribution of the sources of HOx production in both locations. Second, this study uses knowledge of HOx production rates in combination with HOx loss pathways to identify the NOx dependence of PO3, which can be interpreted and used to design effective control strategies to improve future air quality.

Presentation Slides: https://www.scribd.com/document/321271677/Comparison-of-the-San-Joaquin-Valley-and-Los-Angeles-Basin-HOx-Systems#fullscreen&from_embed