A simple Lagrangian dispersion model applied to sulphur pollution over Europe

Abstract

A simple Lagrangian dispersion model is described and applied to sulphur pollution over Europe. The model calculations are based on available SO2-emission data for Europe, and wind observations in the 850 mb surface. A special case is reported where the presence of computed large-scale SO2 and SO4 plumes are verified by concentration data from aircraft sampling and from the OECD sampling network. For stations in this network, computed and observed daily mean SO2 and SO4 concentrations are compared for a period of six months. Based on this comparison an SO2 dry deposition pattern for Europe for 1974 is calculated, using computed mean concentrations and a deposition velocity of 0.8 cms-1.