The NRL Atmosphere: Trends in Air Quality.

Abstract : The air pollutants currently being measured at the NRL air monitoring station are methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and total hydrocarbons. The trends in the concentrations of these pollutants are explained by the meteorological conditions and the pollution emission sources at or near the Laboratory. The use of the wind rose is explained as a useful device in determining the concentration values due to wind speed and wind direction. The seriousness of temperature inversions are explained and their role in increased concentrations of pollutants are described. The situation is considered important since 85 temperature inversions were recorded at NRL during a 12-month period. The minimum, maximum, and average range of the six pollutants are given.