First application of MC2-AQ to multiscale air quality modelling over Europe

A three-dimensional air quality model (MC2-AQ) developed for studying oxidant chemistry on regional to urban scales over North America was adapted and implemented for European conditions. The modelling system is based on the Canadian Mesoscale Compressible Community (MC2) Model, a non-hydrostatic meteorological model, to which modules permitting on-line calculations of chemical transformations, anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, and deposition were added. The transport of chemical species is done on the same grid and with the same advection, convection, and diffusion schemes as are used for the meteorological fields. The developed model is highly flexible and was adapted to different scales by allowing for self-nesting. In this paper we present model results for a high-ozone episode, June 18–26, 2000, over Europe. The modelling system was able to reproduce general characteristics (growth, extent, and dissipation) of the pollution episode. Accumulation of ozone precursors during weak wind and high-temperature synoptic conditions was essential for episode formation. Subsequent episode development and advancement across Europe was driven by frontal systems. A stationary front associated with a low-pressure system over Ukraine prevented the further eastward transport of the polluted air mass. The episode was terminated after the passage of a cold front advecting relatively clean Atlantic air mass.