Understanding ozone variability in spatial responses to emissions and meteorology in China using interpretable...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

• Regional ozone pollution poses a significant environmental and health challenge.
• Understanding ozone variability in response to emissions and meteorology is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatial variability of ozone concentrations across mainland China.
• To analyze the influence of emissions and meteorological factors on ozone levels.
• To identify regional differences in ozone trends and drivers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ozone data from monitoring stations across mainland China (2016-2023).
• Applied statistical methods and interpretable machine learning techniques.
• Analyzed spatial responses to emissions and meteorological variables.

Main Results:

• Ozone variation is characterized by seasonal cycles in the north and short-term fluctuations in the south.
• Emission-driven ozone increases have slowed (average trend of 0.41 μg/m³ a⁻¹).
• Meteorological impacts on ozone differ regionally: decreases in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Sichuan Basin, increases in Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta.

Conclusions:

• Temperature is a key driver in North China, while solar radiation dominates elsewhere, with interactive effects.
• Effective ozone pollution control requires region-specific strategies considering both emissions and meteorological influences.