Application of Airborne Lidar in Particulate Air Quality Problem Delineation, Monitoring Network Design and Control Strategy Development

Airborne lidar (light detection and ranging) data were collected during two field programs in 1989 in the border metropolitan area comprising El Paso (U.S.) and Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). These data were utilized to provide estimates of suspended particulate distributions in the presence of historical data with limited spatial and temporal density in the U.S. and almost no historical data in Mexico. The resulting information was used to help ascertain the magnitude and spatial extent of the particulate air quality problem and to help determine the number and disposition of recommended permanent particulate monitors in the area. The results support the hypothesis that, given a few representative measurements for calibration, airborne lidar might be used in specific situations to develop detailed concentration patterns and to provide useful estimates of pollutant flux, when combined with appropriate measurements of wind velocity profiles. Such information, in turn, should be useful for the development of control strategies for potential alleviation of particulate air quality problems.