Friday, December 6th 2024
At 12:00pm
Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Defense location: Virtual
Zoom Link
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87461269350?pwd=fnPgtLsjOlCuw3ajnq1gkI9IE6LwOd.1
Meeting ID: 874 6126 9350
Title:
“ AN INTEGRATED STUDY OF AEROSOL CONCENTRATIONS AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN EL PASO AIRSHED USING MODELING AND INSTRUMENTATION“
Abstract:
Atmospheric aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. Aerosols can be primary, which are directly emitted into the atmosphere, or secondary, which are formed when emitted gases undergo complex chemical reactions. Atmospheric aerosols can range from a few nanometers to tens of microns in diameter. Atmospheric aerosols play a significant role in climate; they can absorb or reflect heat, influencing temperature and weather patterns. Air quality is also affected by aerosols, which can have detrimental effects on human health, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems. El Paso, Texas, located in the western part of the state, south of the New Mexico state line, is surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert. Its unique geographic position, adjacent to Ciudad Juarez—one of Mexico’s largest industrial cities—makes it an ideal hub for studying atmospheric aerosols. This dissertation comprises several studies focused on aerosols within the El Paso airshed. Chapter 3 examines the behavior of meteorological parameters during dust events, highlighting their impact on aerosol dynamics and the characteristics of the planetary boundary layer during such occurrences. Chapter 4 employs convergent cross mapping alongside time series data to investigate the causality relationships between aerosols and meteorological parameters. Chapter 5 delves into the optical properties of black carbon, analyzing the differences observed in the presence and absence of coatings, which is critical for understanding the radiative effects of aerosols. Collectively, these studies contribute to a deeper understanding of aerosol behavior and their implications for climate and public health in the El Paso region.
