Parse, simulation, and prediction of NOx emission across the Midwestern
United States
Abstract
Accurately constraining N emissions in space and time has been a
challenge for atmospheric scientists. It has been suggested that 15N
isotopes may be a way of tracking N emission sources across various
spatial and temporal scales. However, the complexity of multiple N
sources that can quickly change in intensity has made this a difficult
problem. We have used a SMOKE emission model to parse NOx emission
across the Midwestern United States for a one-year simulation. An
isotope mass balance methods was used to assign 15N values to road,
non-road, point, and area sources. The SMOKE emissions and isotope mass
balance were then combined to predict the 15N of NOx emissions (Figure
1). This δ15N of NOx emissions model was then incorporated into CMAQ to
assess the role of transport and chemistry would impact the 15N value of
NOx due to mixing and removal processes. The predicted 15N value of NOx
was compared to those in recent measurements of NOx and atmospheric
nitrate.