Title: Aerosol mass concentration variations in typical weather conditions during the spring and winter in the Yangtze river Delta region of China

Authors: Chize Zhu; Yang Li; Hujia Zhao; Yuwen Niu; Hefang Pan

Addresses: Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Zhejiang Meteorological Bureau No. 139 Qianjiang Road, Hangzhou, 310017, China ' Meteorological Observation Center, China Meteorological Administration, No. 46 Zhong-Guan-Cun S. Ave., Beijing 100081, China ' Institute of Atmospheric Environment, China Meteorological Administration, No. 388 Changbai S. Ave., Shenyang 110016, China ' Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Zhejiang Meteorological Bureau No. 139 Qianjiang Road, Hangzhou, 310017, China ' Environmental Monitoring Center of Zhengjiang Province, No. 3 Huaxing Road, Hangzhou 310017, China

Abstract: The aerosol mass concentrations of total suspended particles (TSP: particles with diameter < 100 µm) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) were studied at three sites (two urban and one rural) in China's Yangtze River Delta (YRD) during the spring and winter of 2009. Aerosol mass concentrations prevalent during four typical weather conditions in the YRD were then analysed. Major events such as dust storms weakened the impact of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations on the generation and dissipation of haze. During stable weather conditions such as cold high pressure, the impact of concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 on the generation and dissipation of haze strengthened. When aerosol concentrations are low, even if local meteorological conditions remain favourable, mist is likely to be formed instead of haze. When concentrations are high, and local meteorological conditions are favourable, fog/haze conversion occurs.

Keywords: aerosol mass concentration; total suspended particles; TSP; meteorology; China; air pollution; air quality; dust storms; haze; fog; mist; Yangtze delta.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2015.072113

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2015 Vol.57 No.1/2, pp.38 - 56

Received: 08 Sep 2014
Accepted: 09 Apr 2015
Published online: 30 Sep 2015 *

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