Articles | Volume 25, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5497-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-5497-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Jun 2025
Research article |
| 04 Jun 2025
| 04 Jun 2025
An investigation of the impact of Canadian wildfires on US air quality using model, satellite, and ground measurements
Zhixin Xue
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
now at: Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Nair Udaysankar
Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
Sundar A. Christopher
Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
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Short summary
Canadian wildfires in August 2018 significantly increased surface air pollution across the United States (US) – by up to 69 % in some areas. Using model, satellite, and ground measurements, the study highlights how weather patterns and long-range smoke transport drive pollution. The northwestern US was most affected by Canadian wildfire smoke, while the northeastern US experienced the least impact. These findings indicate the growing concern that wildfire smoke poses to air quality across the US.
Canadian wildfires in August 2018 significantly increased surface air pollution across the...
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