A scaling analysis of ozone photochemistry: II Investigation of the similarity relationship

B. Ainslie (1) , D. G. Steyn (1)

1 Atmospheric Science Programme [Vancouver]

The similarity relationship for maximum ozone concentration as a function of initial precursor concentrations developed in the first article of this 2-part series exhibits a scale break, most easily seen after a Weibull transformation, which identifies a characteristic scale for ozone photochemistry. In this paper, we investigate the similarity relationship using simple semi-quantitative models and model output. From this investigation, we develop a set of properties characterizing ozone-precursor relationships. We find the scaling break is associated with a change in the temporal variability of ozone production. Finally, we examine a series of smog chamber experiments for evidence of a scaling break. We find the data support a slight break after suitable transformation. It is difficult to tell if the lack of distinct break is due to smog chamber experimental limitations, a bias in the test conditions or if the processes leading to the scaling break are overly enhanced by chemical mechanisms.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère

B. Ainslie, D. G. Steyn. A scaling analysis of ozone photochemistry: II Investigation of the similarity relationship. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions, 2005, 5 (6), pp.12985-13010. ⟨hal-00302011⟩