VOTALP II: Vertical Ozone Transports in the ALPs II

Abstract

The research project VOTALP II investigated the enhanced vertical exchange above the Alps as well as other processes which might be relevant for increased ozone concentrations in and above the Alps. The role of stratospheric intrusions for mountain peaks and of horizontal advection of polluted air for the foothill area has been quantified for selected locations. As the concept of a boundary layer and the free troposphere can not satisfactorily describe the situation over the foothills, a “mountain injection layer”, into which pollutants from the boundary layer are transported, is introduced. The Alps also play a crucial role for transport of boundary layer air up to the mid troposphere, while the upper troposphere and the tropopause region seem to be less affected.