Air Quality ModellingCAMx and WRF-CHEM models
Regional-scale modelling is an advanced tool for understanding the behaviour of atmospheric pollutants over large territories, typically ranging from several tens to several hundreds of kilometres. Through dedicated modelling simulations it is possible to integrate physical processes, meteorological dynamics, pollutant transport and chemical transformations, reconstructing a complete picture of atmospheric conditions and pollution levels across an entire region. The inclusion of pollutant chemistry is a key element of these models: it allows simulation of reactions between gaseous and particulate compounds, the formation of secondary particulate matter, the oxidation of reactive species and their spatial and temporal distribution.
The models used by TerrAria, such as CAMx and WRF-CHEM, make it possible to analyse in detail how meteorological conditions influence pollutant dispersion and how emissions from anthropogenic and natural sources contribute to regional pollution levels. Regional-scale modelling simulations also allow the evaluation of future emission scenarios, the estimation of the effects of emission reduction measures and the support of authorities in defining air quality improvement strategies.
WRF-CHEM directly integrates meteorology and pollutant chemistry, offering a realistic representation of complex processes such as aerosol-radiation interaction, the impact of pollutants on the surface energy balance or variations in pollution levels in response to changing atmospheric conditions. CAMx, with its modular structure and its ability to simulate detailed emission scenarios, is particularly suited to evaluating the effects of regional policies and estimating emission contributions at different scales.
