Climatology and environmental significance of the surface ozone over the north-western region of Russia

Abstract

Tropospheric ozone can be considered as one of important greenhouse gases. Surface ozone measurements, performed since 1994, at the Russian stations located in the north-western region of Russia are summarised and analysed. The data analysis is focused on the generalisation of the main features of surface ozone behaviour within the region. The most important photo-chemical processes in which surface ozone plays its key role are considered. The analysis of the surface ozone climatology in the region has been carried out. Typical short-term (hours and days) and long-term (seasonal and annual) variability is studied. Cases of elevated ozone levels are paid special attention, and possible reasons are revealed. The analysis of spatial ozone variability is performed. Comparison of ozone levels in Eastern and Central Europe is done. The accumulate exposure over a concentration threshold during the growing season are calculated for the locations of the monitoring stations to reveal the areas of possible ecological risk caused by elevated surface ozone levels.