AEPA Community Multiscale Air Quality

Modeling System: Models-3

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Addressing Today's Air Pollution Problems

Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System

Regional and global coordinated efforts are needed to address environmental problems that are
growing in complexity and scope. The models used to assess these problems and evaluate alternative
solutions are increasing in complexity. Thus the concept of an integrated modeling and analysis
framework, Models-3, was formulated. Models-3 is not a single model or modeling system, but
rather it is a problem solving system of components that help build,
evaluate, and apply air quality models. The initial version of Models-3
contains a Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling
system for urban to regional scale air quality simulation of tropospheric
ozone, acid/nutrient deposition, visibility, and fine particulates.

Models-3 will allow integration of the scientific and technology
advancements of other federal agencies, academia, and research
institutions, and thereby allow a more unified and comprehensive
approach to environmental modeling.

CMAQ Release and Evaluation

A new version of the Models-3/CMAQ modeling system has been released for the Windows NT
computer system, providing access to users who wish to accomplish integrated air quality modeling.
New software will simulate the emissions, transport, chemical and physical transformation, and wet
and dry deposition of atmospheric mercury. CMAQ's "one atmosphere" approach involving
comprehensive multi-pollutant simulation is well suited to the study of atmospheric mercury cycling
and environmental assessments. Additionally, an operational evaluation of Models-3/CMAQ for
ozone has been completed and the modeling system recommended for widespread use.

Ozone

Bw* C**t

PM2.S

But C«m

Ozone Difference (Control-Base)

Eifed of 50% HOx reduction

Ozone

50% NOx reduction

Ozone

Base Cs.se

PM2.5

Cesa

7E

July 14.19951:00:00
Min= 19 at 152,2], Mix = 1S3 at [31.50)

PM 2.5

50% NOx reduction

PM25 Difference

Effect of 50% HOx reduction

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Models-3 Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System

1

Benefits

Integrated modeling system that combines air pollutants into a multiscale "one atmosphere"
structure - greatly enhancing the ability to understand spatial behavior of pollutants.

Increase understanding of interactions between various pollutants.

Can be used on the personal computer, thus allowing use by many scientific and air quality
managers.

Measures the effectiveness of controlling emissions, and allows for more meaningful ways by
which regulatory strategies may be addressed.

Purpose

Supports EPA's efforts to improve the management community's ability to evaluate and assess
impacts of air quality management practices for multiple pollutants at multiple scales.

Provides a tool that improves scientist's ability to better probe, understand, and simulate
chemical and physical interactions in the atmosphere.

Accomplishments

Modeling system released for Windows NT systems.

• Publications include: Models-3 CMAO CB4 Tutorial for Windows NT; System Installation
and Operation Manual for the EPA Third-Generation Air Quality Modeling System for
Windows NT, and Science Algorithms of the EPA Models-3 CMAO Modeling System.
Completion of an operational evaluation for ozone.

Extension of the modeling system to atmospheric mercury.

Participant

U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory,
Atmospheric Modeling Division, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Models-3/CMAQ Release	Evaluation of Models-3/CMAQ

\ for Windows NT	for Ozone

itjp *For computational framework information,	'Contact: Robin L. Dennis

National Eip-u,. R...arch L,b,r,^ contact: Sharon LeDuc	dennis.robin@epa.gOv

leduc. sharon@epa. gov

'For CMAQ modeling system information.	Extension of Models-3/CMAQ

rOr More contact: Daewon Byun	to Atmospheric Mercury

Information: bvun.daewon@epa. gov	•Contact: Russell Bullock

bullock.russell@epa.gov

For more information on this and other NERL science projects, visit our Website

http://www.epa.gov/nerl/

WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT

March 2001


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