The Open Atmospheric Science Journal

2008, 2 : 18-22
Published online 2008 April 10. DOI: 10.2174/1874282300802010018
Publisher ID: TOASCJ-2-18

Potential Outflow Pathways for Iberian Atmospheric Middle-Lived Pollution

R. Nieto , R. Trigo and L. Gimeno
Universidad de Vigo. Facultad de Ciencias de Ourense. 32004. Ourense. Spain.

ABSTRACT

We present a study of the potential export pathways of middle-lived pollutants from the Iberian Peninsula using an advanced 3-D Lagrangian atmospheric transport model (FLEXPART). A period of five years, from 2000 to 2004, was analyzed. Results confirm that the Mediterranean Sea and Central Asia are the dominant sinks of the air originated in the Iberian Peninsula in the range of 3 to 10 days of transport. The study is important, both in scientific terms and in the preparation of useful information for decision-making.

Keywords:

Sinks of middle-lived pollutants, sinks of aerosols, Lagrangian atmospheric transport model.