The Relevance of Research to Houston Air Quality

Robert HarrissHouston Advanced Research Center

http://www.harc.edu

Ozone Photochemistry

TexAQS II Formaldehyde Observations

CMAQ Model Improvements Based on TexAQS II Data Original Forecast

Revised Forecast

The HARC ARII website at www.airhoustontx.org offers a Google Maps graphical interface that allows convenient access to air quality data.

Conclusion• Major issues in Texas air quality science include:

– Improving emissions data for formaldehyde, nitrous acid, & air toxics;

– Adding formaldehyde & nitrous acid chemistry into the SIP model;

– Increased emphasis on the regional ozone concentrations & transport.

– Making data available to all interested parties.

• Research will contribute to effective and efficient policy formulation.