Observations of massive air-pollution transport and associated air quality in the Yellow Sea region

Presently, China is the world’s second largest energy consumer, and it generates extensive atmospheric emissions in the Yellow Sea region in East Asia. In the westerly region, the downwind effect creates large-scale transport of air pollution and significantly impacts on air quality semi-periodically in Korea, Japan, and the western Pacific Ocean. Observations with satellite and ground measurements of regional air quality show the movements and impact of anthropogenic and natural origins of air pollution in the Yellow Sea region. Fifteen air-pollution cases were recorded from January to September 2007. These are the basis for our findings on regional-scale transport of air pollution and variations of air quality in Korea and SW Japan. Impacts on air quality and health are included.