Identifying biomass burning impacts on air quality in Southeast Texas 26–29 August 2011 using satellites, models and surface data

Abstract. In this paper, we examine the influence of transported emissions from biomass burning (BB) in regions upwind of the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area on O₃ and precursors during the period 26–29 August 2011 using remotely-sensed satellite retrievals from GOES13, MODIS, AIRS and CALIOP. Multiple instruments observed high aerosol optical depth in HGB on 26 August. Surface measurement networks and model estimates (CMAQ, NAAPS) confirm presence of aerosols, smoke and CO along with elevated amounts of O₃. Trajectory models (HYSPLIT, BAMGOMAS) trace air masses to possible sources of BB emissions in the Mississippi delta and other upwind regions. Results demonstrate emissions from BB in upwind areas likely contributed to enhanced O₃ and precursor concentrations measured by surface monitors in HGB which were characterized by enhancements of 63–71 ppb in daily maximum 1-hr O₃ at the Houston East monitor on 26 Aug compared to 21–25 Aug. This study demonstrates an approach to identifying biomass burning influences on high ozone events which may be useful in determining compliance with EPA NAAQS.