MAX-DOAS observations of pollutant distribution and transboundary transport in typical regions of China

Abstract

Studying the spatiotemporal distribution and transboundary transport of aerosols, NO₂, SO₂, and HCHO in typical regions is crucial for understanding regional pollution causes. In a 2-year study using multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy in Qingdao, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Kunming, we investigated pollutant distribution and transport across Eastern China-Ocean, Tibetan Plateau-Central and Eastern China, and China-Southeast Asia interfaces. First, pollutant distribution was analyzed. Kunming, frequently clouded and misty, exhibited consistently high aerosol optical depth throughout the year. In Qingdao and Shanghai, NO₂ and SO₂, as well as SO₂ in Xi'an, increased in winter. Elevated HCHO in summer in Shanghai and Xi'an, especially Xi'an, suggests potential ozone pollution issues. Subsequently, pollutant transportation across interfaces was studied. At the Eastern China-Ocean interface, the gas transport flux was the largest among other interfaces, with the outflux exceeding the influx, especially in winter and spring. The input of pollutants from the Tibetan Plateau to central-eastern China was larger than the output in winter and spring, with SO₂ having the highest transport flux in winter. The pollution input from Southeast Asia to China significantly exceeded the output, with spring and winter inputs being 3.22 and 3.03 times the output, respectively. Lastly, the transportation characteristics of a pollution event at Kunming were studied. During this period, pollutants were transported from west to east, with the maximum SO₂ transport flux at an altitude of 2.87 km equaling 27.74 µg/(m²·s). It is speculated that this pollution was caused by the transport from Southeast Asian countries to Kunming.