Boundary Layer Structure Observed by a Network of Wind Profiling Radars and Simulated in Air Quality Forecast Models During the TEXAQS 2006 Field Program

Boundary Layer structure (PBL depth, wind speed, direction, and virtual temperature profiles) are analyzed from a network of eleven 915 MHz wind profilers that were operated during the TEXAQS August 01-October 15, 2006 field program. In this analysis, the data are segregated into high and low-ozone days, and high and low-PM2.5 days, where high and low days are calculated based on regional averages of surface air quality observations. Characteristics of the boundary layer structure on highly polluted days are then contrasted with that on the low pollution days. In addition, a similar analysis is carried out using the WRF-Chem and WRF-NMM/CMAQ air quality forecast models. This analysis reveals the ability of the two models to discriminate between the high and low pollution days, as well as their ability to properly simulate the corresponding PBL structure. Differences between the two models will be highlighted.