WCAS/monitoring/MET
Air quality depends on the rate that pollutants are emitted to the atmosphere and the rate at which these pollutants are dispersed away from the sources. Air pollution transport and dispersion are influenced by wind speed and direction, the temperature structure of the atmosphere, the solar cycle, turbulence, precipitation and changes in these elements induced by local topography.
Precipitation may remove pollutants from the atmosphere, depositing them on soils and vegetation. Rates of deposition of pollutant gases are highest when vegetation and soils are wet. Vegetation is more susceptible to damage during periods of highest growth.
Meteorlogical parameters measured in support of the West Central Airshed Society air quality monitoring program are:
Precipitation samples are also collected and chemically analyzed for acidity and major constituents.