Pacific Southwest Research Station

Ozone modeling system and emission control strategies for the Lake Tahoe Basin

Principal Investigators:
Darko Koracin, Desert Research Institute
Julide Kahyaoglu-Koracin, Desert Research Institute
Alan Gertler, Desert Research Institute

Proposal [pdf]

Final Report [pdf]

Please contact Dr. Darko Koracin with questions regarding the final report.

Project Summary

There is growing concern about the effects of ozone (O₃) on air quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Ozone levels in the Tahoe Basin have been increasing and have led to exceedances of current California air quality standards. This trend can have serious implications with respect to human and ecosystem health. This area is currently designated as a nonattainment-transitional zone for O₃ by the California Air Resources Board. A robust emission control strategy is needed and can only be achieved with a detailed understanding of the processes affecting the local and regional O₃ formation, transport and dispersion patterns by using measurements and modeling.

The project team conducted a comprehensive modeling study to:

1. Develop a complex modeling system consisting of a meteorological model, emission models, and a photochemical model
2. Validate the O₃ modeling system on an ozone episode recorded in August 2009 at the Lake Tahoe station
3. Perform sensitivity simulations for various emission scenarios to determine what aspects of planned control strategies might be cost-effective for the Lake Tahoe Basin to control O₃ levels.