[1]Air stagnation is a phenomenon which occurs when an air mass remains over an area for an extended period. Due to light winds and lack of precipitation, pollutants cannot be cleared from the air, either gaseous (like ozone) or particulate (like soot or dust). Subsidence produced directly under the subtropical ridge can lead to a buildup of particulates in urban areas under the ridge, leading to widespread haze.[2] If the low level relative humidity rises towards 100 percent overnight, fog can form.[3] In the United States, the National Weather Service issues an Air Stagnation Advisory when these conditions are likely to occur.[4]
In the United States air stagnation has become a great problem with increased urbanization due to increased air pollution in urban areas. Air stagnation events generally occur in southern states and last approximately five days. A majority of these events occur during the summer, between the months of May and October. This is due to "weaker pressure and temperature gradients, and therefore weaker wind circulations." [5]
References
edit- ^ "Health effects from air stagnation". NBC. Dec 07, 2011 5:09 PM PST.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Myanmar government (2007). Haze. Retrieved on 2007-02-11.
- ^ Robert Tardif (2002). Fog characteristics. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Retrieved on 2007-02-11.
- ^ National Weather Service glossary. Air Stagnation. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ Wang, Julian XL, and James K. Angell. (April 1999). "Air Stagnation Climatology for the United States (1948-1998)". NOAA/Air Resources Laboratory ATLAS. No. 1: 2, 3.
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Category:Air pollution Category:Atmospheric circulation
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