Evolution of boundary layer ozone in Shijiazhuang, a suburban site on the North China Plain

Abstract The structure of the boundary layer affects the evolution of ozone (O3), and research into this structure will provide important insights for understanding photochemical pollution. In this study, we conducted a one-month observation (from June 15 to July 14, 2016) of the boundary layer meteorological factors as well as O3 and its precursors in Luancheng County, Shijiazhuang (37°53′N, 114°38′E). Our research showed that photochemical pollution in Shijiazhuang is serious, and the mean hourly maximum and mean 8-hr maximum O3 concentrations are 97.9 ± 26.1 and 84.4 ± 22.4 ppbV, respectively. Meteorological factors play a significant role in the formation of O3. High temperatures and southeasterly winds lead to elevated O3 values, and at moderate relative humidity (40%–50%) and medium boundary layer heights (1200–1500 m), O3 production sensitivity occurred in the transitional region between volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) limitations, and the O3 concentration was the highest. The vertical profiles of O3 were also measured by a tethered balloon. The results showed that a large amount of O3 was stored in the residual layer, and the concentration was positively correlated with the O3 concentration measured the previous day. During the daytime of the following day, the contribution of O3 stored in the residual layer to the boundary layer reached 27% ± 7% on average.