What is used to measure concentrations of pollutants in a given air quality model?

Meteorological data is integral to understanding how pollutants disperse in the atmosphere and assessing air quality. This data includes information such as wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, all of which influence how pollutants travel, mix, and settle in the air.

Effective air quality models rely heavily on this type of data because it helps to simulate and predict the behaviors of different pollutants under varying weather conditions. While emission data indicates the sources and quantities of pollution entering the air, and population data may provide context on exposure and public health relevance, it is the meteorological data that directly impacts the physical movement and distribution of pollutants, leading to accurate modeling of air quality scenarios.