THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE EXTINCTION COEFFICIENT DISTRIBUTION TO WIND-FIELD PATTERNS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The averaged distribution of the extinction coefficient, including its diurnal variation, in southern California is shown for commonly occurring winter and summer wind field patterns. The wind field patterns were generated by an objectively based method using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the vector wind, similarity criteria and cluster analysis. For the days assigned to each pattern, averaged extinction coefficient fields were calculated for six diurnal periods. Three main winter and three main summer patterns were identified. Associated with the wind field patterns were distinctly differing extinction coefficient patterns. Transport of visibility reducing aerosols can be inferred by comparing the wind and extinction fields and their diurnal variation. Transport of visibility reducing pollutants from the Los Angeles Basin and San Joaquin Valley into the Mojave Desert and the south-western U.S. was shown to be highly persistent in summer, while only sporadic in winter. The San Joaquin Valley was identified as having a significant potential for additional visibility impacts in the southwest with higher emissions of visibility affecting pollutants associated with the increasing urbanization of the valley. The analysis illustrated a technique for organizing large wind data sets into a reasonable number of patterns. The clear and consistent relationship between the extinction and wind fields demonstrates the usefulness of this technique in air pollution analysis.