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Research and Modeling
Find out how the Air District uses modeling to understand pollutant behavior, estimate exposure levels, help with regional planning, support permit applications, and more.
Research and Modeling Support
Air District staff perform a variety of research and modeling activities, including:
- Investigating the formation of ozone, particulate matter, and air toxics in the Bay Area using state of the art meteorological, emissions inventory, and air quality models.
- Studying the transport of ozone, PM, and their precursors within the Bay Area and between the Bay Area and neighboring air districts.
- Assessing emissions control strategies.
- Predicting the impact of future changes (such as climate change) on pollutant levels.
- Assessing the public health impacts of ambient pollutants.
- Collaborating on air quality studies with other organizations and agencies.
- Supporting the preparation of smart growth planning and Clean Air Plans.
- Providing technical support to Air District programs such as:
Models and Modeling Tools
The Air District uses the following air quality models and related tools:
- Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Model to model ozone and PM.
- Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) to model air toxics.
- CALPUFF Modeling System to study the impacts of local emissions sources on air quality.
- Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emission (SMOKE) Model to prepare emissions inventory inputs for air quality models.
- Mesoscale Meteorological Model V5 (MM5) to prepare meteorological inputs for air quality models.
- Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to prepare meteorological inputs for air quality models.
- California Meteorological Model (CALMET) to prepare meteorological inputs for CALPUFF applications.
- Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) to relate air quality to health impacts.
- Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation (SHEDS) Model to relate air quality to health impacts.
Spare the Air Status
Last Updated: 8/3/2023