The relationship between atmospheric temperature inversion and urban air pollution characteristics: a case study of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of air pollution in Tehran, focusing on its origins and potential remedial measures. Data from the Mehrabad station in Tehran were meticulously analyzed to scrutinize the spatiotemporal dynamics over a three-year period. Leveraging the Universal Radio Sound Observation (RAOB) program, we probed atmospheric attributes up to 750 m on specific critical dates: January 22, 2014; January 25, 2015; and November 27, 2016, which represent peak pollution events. Employing mathematical models, we scrutinized air temperature inversion profiles and applied the Heffter method to gauge the impact of atmospheric inversions on Tehran's air quality. Our investigation unequivocally identified January 25, 2015, as the most polluted date, unveiling precise atmospheric conditions during a radiation inversion, encompassing altitudes, temperatures, humidity, wind speed, and inversion depth. This research significantly advances our comprehension of the intricate interplay between atmospheric inversions and air pollution. It provides critical insights that can inform the development of targeted strategies to mitigate air quality issues not only in Tehran but also in analogous urban settings worldwide.

Spatio-temporal characterization of PM10 concentration across Abu Dhabi Emirate (UAE)

“…Temperature inversions, where warm air traps pollutants near the ground, can influence the yearly pattern of PM10 concentrations [ 64 ]. This phenomenon can be explained by considering how temperature fluctuations contribute to the creation of new particles through the gas-to-particle conversion process, as well as the scattering of aerosols and their absorption characteristics [ 39 , 44 , 47 ].…”

The Impact of Atmospheric Stability Affected by Peat Forest Fire on Surface PM2.5 Concentration in Pontianak Urban Area during La Nina Events 2022

“…The PM2.5 emitted previously remains in the air, and there are strong inversion layers on both surface and subsidence inversions. The surface inversion layer usually occurs under low wind speed conditions, causing an increase in PM2.5 concentrations [21]. The presence of inversion layers creates an extremely stable atmosphere, causing the PM2.5 concentrations not to decrease quickly.…”

“…The more stable the atmosphere, the more difficult it is for pollutants to mix with the ambient air. Low wind speeds can worsen the unstable atmospheric conditions in the dispersion of air pollutants process [21]. The unstable atmospheric conditions result in worse air quality in urban areas [22].Temperature profile is a simple method to classify atmospheric stability, and the quantity stability is calculated by temperature gradient.…”