Spatial patterns in summertime surface ozone in the Southern Front Range of the U.S. Rocky Mountains

Abstract

Summertime ozone in the Western United States presents a unique public health challenge. Changes in population, background ozone, wildland fire, and local precursor emissions combined with terrain-induced meteorology can affect surface ozone levels and compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). While there is considerable research on ozone in the Northern Front Range Metropolitan Area of Colorado, United States, less is known about the Southern Front Range. In Colorado Springs, approximately 100 km south of Denver, summertime maximum daily 8-h average (MDA8) ozone shows no significant (p