Study monitors ozone entering Sierra Nevada Mountains

A study of ozone concentrations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains found that pollution from California cities travels into the mountain range, though ozone concentrations can vary depending on the elevation of wind masses.

The study published in Atmospheric Environment Journal was coordinated by scientists from the U.S. Forest Service and the National Parks Service.

The scientists used passive samplers to collect ozone and used the information to model and draw conclusions about air pollution travel. They detected more ozone when air masses traveled into the mountains at low altitudes. The samplers detected less ozone in air masses passing through the mountains at high altitudes.

The samplers were in place to observe the 2007 low fire season and the 2008 high fire season.

Image: Devils Postpile National Monument in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Credit: U.S. National Parks Service)