A modelling perspective of the summer 2013 CHARMEX chemistry intensive campaign : origin of photo-oxidant and aerosol formation

Abstract : During summer 2013, a three week intensive campaign took place over the western Mediterranean basin in order to investigate photo-oxidant and aerosol sources over the region. Within the frame of the MISTRAL/CHARMEX program, this campaign included an extensive experimental set-up based on ground based, balloon borne and ship and aircraft measurements. In this paper, a modelling perspective of the campaign is given, based on simulations with the regional CHIMERE chemistry-transport model in a configuration shaped for the Mediterranean region. Major sources of photooxidants (in particular ozone), and aerosol are addressed: long range transport from continental Europe, pollution build-up from shipping emissions, specifically organic aerosol formation from biogenic and anthropogenic VOC emissions, dust emissions. The simulations are evaluated with measurements at places and during periods when these particular sources were predominant. This will give a first overview of driving forces of the pollutant variability over the domain during the campaign. In addition, we will address, how well model forecasts (CHIMERE run by INERIS, Polyphemus run by CEREA) used for campaign planning agree with measurements.