Calculated Influence of Temperature-Related Factors on Ozone Formation Rates in the Lower Troposphere

Using an atmospheric chemical reaction mechanism applied to air parcels near the earth's surface, the sensitivities ozone (O3) formation rates are quantified for changes in four meteorologically controlled parameters: temperature, sunlight intensity, water vapor mixing ratio, and isoprene concentration. Over a wide range of NOx and anthropogenic hydrocarbon concentrations, enhanced photolysis rates and elevated isoprene concentrations are calculated to be the most important factors contributing to increased O3 formation rates on warmer days. These results suggest that the most uncertain yet important meteorological factor controlling regional-scale O3 formation is fractional cloudiness and its impact on photolysis rates.