Hydrocarbons in an urban atmosphere

Statistical characteristics of variations in surface-layer concentrations of methane, non-methane and aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde are compared with the characteristics of variations in the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air basin of Moscow. Differences in the annual cycle of concentrations of methane, carbon dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide are determined. It is found that the maximum concentration of carbon monoxide at most sites with an elevated surface-air pollution level and over the city as a whole tends to occur in the summer season. The seasonal variability of the diurnal mean cycle of methane, carbon dioxide, and non-methane and aromatic hydrocarbons is analyzed.