Role of Meteorology on Urban Air Pollution Dispersion: A 20yr Analysis for Delhi, India

Question: How can we assess the seasonality in air pollution? Is there a variation in meteorology which is affecting the measured air pollution levels?

In order to assess the role of meteorology as a diffusing or non-diffusing agent, this paper presents a 20 year analysis. The city of Delhi, India, was considered for pilot analysis. Irrespective of constant emissions over each month, the observed concentrations are 40% to 80% higher in the winter months and 10% to 60% lower in the summer months, when compared to the annual average tracer concentrations (20yr animation).The study will be extended to 10 more cities in 2010.

Download SIM Working Paper Series No. 31

A version of this paper, along with excerpts from other working papers on Delhi, India, is now published in the Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, "Role of Meteorology in seasonality of air pollution in megacity, Delhi, India".

Relevant papers from the SIM Series

SIM-22-2009: AQM in Delhi: Then, Now, & Next
SIM-25-2009: Air Pollution Chemistry in Delhi, India
SIM-28-2009: Measuring Autorickshaw Emissions to Inform Air Quality Policy
SIM-29-2009: Monitoring & Mapping Urban Air Pollution: One Day in Delhi, India
SIM-31-2010: Role of Meteorology on Urban Air Pollution Dispersion: A 20yr Analysis for Delhi
SIM-32-2010: Estimated Air Pollution & Health Benefits of Metro System in Delhi, India
SIM-36-2011: Air Quality Forecasting System for Cities: Modeling Architecture for Delhi, India