Preliminary investigation of light scattering and visibility in two eastern national parks

• Main Author: Albee, Thomas F.
• Other Authors: Civil Engineering
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2016
• Subjects: LD5655.V855 1979.A543; Visibility; Light > Scattering; Air > Pollution; Aerosols
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/71228

Light scattering, ambient temperature, dew point temperature and altitude were measured in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park, two mandatory Federal class I prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) areas. Instruments for measuring these parameters and other air quality related parameters were mounted in a twin engine light aircraft. Data obtained from horizontal and vertical profiles flown in the two parks on six days between April and June 1979 were utilized in this study. However, these data are not conclusive in that sampling flights were performed under ideal visual flight conditions, and not in the peak season for reduced visibility. Horizontal and vertical variability in visual range is calculated from the measured light scattering and relative humidity data. Results of this study indicate horizontal stratification in visual ranges measured from one side of a park to the other possibly due to the "barrier" effect of mountain peaks which divide each park. Data also indicate the existence of a distinct upper aerosol boundary layer which correlates well with the observed haze layer. The presence and distribution of light scattering aerosols as well as other pollutants such as ozone and sulfur dioxide, measured by the airborne instrument system, indicate the potential for adverse impacts of anthropogenic emissions and secondary pollutants due to meteorological and topographic conditions existing in and around the two parks. The results of this study will aid Federal land managers and legislators in developing environmental policy for the two parks. === Master of Science