Interannual variability of tropospheric NO sub(2) column over central Europe - observations from SCIAMACHY and GEM-AQ model simulations

• Published in: Acta geophysica Vol. 62; no. 4; pp. 915 - 929
• Main Authors: Szymankiewicz, Karol, Kaminski, Jacek W, Struzewska, Joanna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2014
• Subjects: Agglomeration; Central Europe; Computer simulation; Emission; Nitrogen dioxide; Remote regions; Temporal logic; Time series; Europe
• ISSN: 1895-6572; 1895-7455
• DOI: 10.2478/s11600-014-0211-z

Spatial and temporal variability of NO sub(2) tropospheric column over Europe was analyzed for a 3 year period (2008-2010) based on monthly average observations from SCIAMACHY and the GEM-AQ model results. The GEM-AQ model was run in a global variable configuration with a resolution of 15 km over Central Europe. Spatial averaged time series were calculated for two selected regions in Western and Central Europe in order to assess the seasonal and interannual variability of the tropospheric NO sub(2). The spatial pattern is similar near large emission sources for consecutive years. However, in remote regions there are differences due to interannual variability of meteorological conditions. Highest tropospheric NO sub(2) column values (over 150 10 super(15) molecules/cm super(2)) were persistent over the Benelux and over most of the European agglomerations. The general agreement between modelled and observed NO sub(2) column is good. In the remote areas, the modelled NO sub(2) column shows weaker gradients than the observed field.