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A synoptic climatology of ground-level ozone for Montreal, Quebec

A mean sea level (MSL) and 500 hPa height field synoptic climatology of ozone is developed for the Montreal region over the period 1980-1992 using the Kirchhofer computer-assisted map-pattern technique. Synoptic class air quality signatures are examined on an annual, seasonal and interannual basis. Residual cumulative dose analysis confirms that the "Back of the High" synoptic types are responsible for above average ozone concentrations in the summer months. In contrast, during the winter, the stable conditions and cold temperatures associated with these same synoptic types promote ozone scavenging and below average ozone concentrations. Above average winter ozone levels are associated with cyclonic synoptic types, possibly as a result of stratospheric ozone intrusion. Synoptic sequencing confirms the importance in stability in upper level features (particularly an upper level trough to the northeast of Montreal) and stagnation of surface features (primarily the "Back of the High") for the development of elevated ozone concentrations in Montreal. Finally, a declimatizing technique is evaluated as a means of removing the synoptic signal from the ozone time series. Results of this study are in broad agreement with similar investigations elsewhere in northeastern North America.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.22811
Date January 1995
CreatorsStephens, Kate, 1968-
ContributorsMcKendry, Ian (advisor), Lewis, John (advisor)
PublisherMcGill University
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatapplication/pdf
CoverageMaster of Science (Department of Geography.)
RightsAll items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Relationalephsysno: 001461976, proquestno: MM05635, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest.

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