Air Pollution Potential over the Salt Lake Valley of Utah as Related to Stability and Wind Speed

Philip Williams Jr. U. S. Weather Bureau, Salt Lake City, Utah

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Abstract

Synoptic situations associated with strong air pollution potential in the Salt Lake valley of northwest Utah are described. The trend of low visibilities in smoke during the past 30 years at the Salt Lake airport is shown. A Smoke Index is developed to indicate the amount of restriction to visibility due to smoke. Day to day changes in the Smoke Index are associated with stability and wind parameters. The effect of precipitation on the Smoke Index is also discussed.

Abstract

Synoptic situations associated with strong air pollution potential in the Salt Lake valley of northwest Utah are described. The trend of low visibilities in smoke during the past 30 years at the Salt Lake airport is shown. A Smoke Index is developed to indicate the amount of restriction to visibility due to smoke. Day to day changes in the Smoke Index are associated with stability and wind parameters. The effect of precipitation on the Smoke Index is also discussed.

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