Appendix A: Regional Haze Definitions

Appendix A Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................... 2

Regional Haze Definitions.............................................................................................. 2

A. General Definitions from Section 301 related to Visibility:.................................. 2

B. Definitions for the Fire........................................................................................... 5

General Definitions:.................................................................................................... 5

Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................... 39
Appendix A Page 2

Appendix A Chapter 1 Introduction

Regional Haze Definitions

The following definitions apply to this implementation plan, and can be separated into

four categories: (A) general definitions from Section 301(40 CFR 51.301) related to

visibility, some of which were added or revised upon adoption of the Regional Haze Rule

in 1999; (B) specific definitions for the fire. (C) General definitions as taken from the

Visibility Information Exchange Web System (VIEWS) at:

http://views.cira.colostate.edu/web/Glossary.aspx

A. General Definitions from Section 301 related to Visibility:

BART-eligible source means an existing stationary facility as defined in this section.

Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) means an emission limitation based on

the degree of reduction achievable through the application of the best system of

continuous emission reduction for each pollutant, which is emitted by an existing

stationary facility. The emission limitation must be established, on a case-by-case

basis, taking into consideration the technology available, the costs of compliance, the

energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance, any pollution

control equipment in use or in existence at the source, the remaining useful life of the

source, and the degree of improvement in visibility which may reasonably be

anticipated to result from the use of such technology.

Deciview means a measurement of visibility impairment. A deciview is a haze index

derived from calculated light extinction, such that uniform changes in haziness

correspond to uniform incremental changes in perception across the entire range of

conditions, from pristine to highly impaired. The deciview haze index is calculated

based on the following equation (for the purposes of calculating deciview, the

atmospheric light extinction coefficient must be calculated from aerosol

measurements):

Deciview haze index = 10 1ne (bext/10 Mm-1).

Where bext = the atmospheric light extinction coefficient, expressed

in inverse megameters (Mm-1).

Existing stationary facility means any of the following stationary sources of air

pollutants, including any reconstructed source, which was not in operation prior to

August 7, 1962, and was in existence on August 7, 1977, and has the potential to emit

250 tons per year or more of any air pollutant. In determining potential to emit,

fugitive emissions, to the extent quantifiable, must be counted.
Appendix A Page 3

Fossil-fuel fired steam electric plants of more than 250 million

British thermal units per hour heat input,

Coal cleaning plants (thermal dryers),

Kraft pulp mills,

Portland cement plants,

Primary zinc smelters,

Iron and steel mill plants,

Primary aluminum ore reduction plants,

Primary copper smelters,

Municipal incinerators capable of charging more than 250 tons of

refuse per day,

Hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and nitric acid plants,

Petroleum refineries,

Lime plants,

Phosphate rock processing plants,

Coke oven batteries,

Sulfur recovery plants,

Carbon black plants (furnace process),

Primary lead smelters,

Fuel conversion plants,

Sintering plants,

Secondary metal production facilities,

Chemical process plants,

Fossil-fuel boilers of more than 250 million British thermal units per

hour heat input,

Petroleum storage and transfer facilities with a capacity exceeding

300,000 barrels,

Taconite ore processing facilities,

Glass fiber processing plants, and

Charcoal production facilities.

Federal Class I area means any Federal land that is classified or reclassified Class I.

Federal Land Manager means the Secretary of the department with authority over

the Federal Class I area (or the Secretary's designee) or, with respect to RooseveltCampobello International Park, the Chairman of the Roosevelt-Campobello

International Park Commission.

Federally enforceable means all limitations and conditions which are enforceable by

the Administrator under the Clean Air Act including those requirements developed

pursuant to 40 CFR Parts 60 and 61, requirements within any applicable State

Implementation Plan, and any permit requirements established pursuant to 40 CFR

52.21 of this chapter or under regulations approved pursuant to CFR Parts 51, 52, or

60.
Appendix A Page 4

Implementation plan means, for the purposes of this part, any State Implementation

Plan, Federal Implementation Plan, or Tribal Implementation Plan.

Indian tribe or tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group

or community, including any Alaska Native village, which is federally recognized as

eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians

because of their status as Indians.

In existence means that the owner or operator has obtained all necessary

preconstruction approvals or permits required by Federal, State, or local air pollution

emissions and air quality laws or regulations and either has (1) begun, or caused to

begin, a continuous program of physical on-site construction of the facility or (2)

entered into binding agreements or contractual obligations, which cannot be cancelled

or modified without substantial loss to the owner or operator, to undertake a program

of construction of the facility to be completed in a reasonable time.

Least impaired days means the average visibility impairment (measured in

deciviews) for the twenty percent of monitored days in a calendar year with the

lowest amount of visibility impairment.

Major stationary source and major modification mean major stationary source and

major modification, respectively, as defined in 40 CFR 51.166.

Mandatory Class I Federal Area means any area identified in 40 CFR Part 81,

Subpart D.

Most impaired days means the average visibility impairment (measured in deciviews)

for the twenty percent of monitored days in a calendar year with the highest amount

of visibility impairment.

Natural conditions includes naturally occurring phenomena that reduce visibility as

measured in terms of light extinction, visual range, contrast, or coloration.

Potential to emit means the maximum capacity of a stationary source to emit a

pollutant under its physical and operational design. Any physical or operational

limitation on the capacity of the source to emit a pollutant including air pollution

control equipment and restrictions on hours of operation or on the type or amount of

material combusted, stored, or processed, shall be treated as part of its design if the

limitation or the effect it would have on emissions is federally enforceable. Secondary

emissions do not count in determining the potential to emit of a stationary source.

Reasonably attributable means attributable by visual observation or any other

technique the state deems appropriate.

Reasonably attributable visibility impairment means visibility impairment that is

caused by the emission of air pollutants from one, or a small number of sources.
Appendix A Page 5

Regional haze means visibility impairment that is caused by the emission of air

pollutants from numerous sources located over a wide geographic area. Such sources

include, but are not limited to, major and minor stationary sources, mobile sources,

and area sources.

State means ``State'' as defined in section 302(d) of the CAA.

Stationary Source means any building, structure, facility, or installation, which emits

or may emit any air pollutant.

Visibility impairment means any humanly perceptible change in visibility (light

extinction, visual range, contrast, coloration) from that which would have existed

under natural conditions.

B. Definitions for the Fire

1. Fire means any wildfire, wildland fire, prescribed fire, and agricultural burning

that is conducted on Federal, State, and private wildlands and farmlands. Except

where “prescribed fire” is noted, the term “fire” shall apply to the sources

identified herein.

2. Land Manager means any federal, state, local, or private entity that owns,

administers, directs, oversees or controls the use of public or private land,

including the application of fire to the land.

3. Prescribed fire or prescribed burn means any fire ignited by management actions

to meet specific objectives, such as achieving resource benefits.

4. Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefits means naturally ignited wildland fire

that is managed to accomplish specific prestated resource management objectives

in predefined geographic areas.

General Definitions:

2000-04 Baseline:Refers to a WRAP emissions or modeling scenario based on the

designated planning emissions inventories, including a 5 year average of fire emissions.

Also referred to as Plan02 analysis series.

2002 Base Case:Refers to a WRAP emissions or modeling scenario based on 2002

emissions inventories, including actual fire emissions for 2002. Also referred to as

Base02 analysis series.

2018 Base Case:Refers to a WRAP emissions or modeling scenario based on 2018

emissions inventories estimated by applying rules on the books in late 2004, generated in

early 2006. Also referred to as Base18 analysis series.

2018 Preliminary Reasonable Progress:Refers to a WRAP emissions or modeling

scenario based on the preliminary reasonable progress emissions inventories, generated in

early 2007. Includes corrections, refinements and additions to the 2018 Base Case, as

well as estimates of controlling SO2 and some NOx from special coal-fired power plants,

called BART sources. Also referred to as PRP18 analysis series.

A
Appendix A Page 6

Abrasion mode:A size range of particles, typically larger than about 3 micrometers in

diameter, primarily generated by abrasion of solids.

Absorption:A class of processes by which one material is taken up by another.

Absorption coefficient:A measure of the ability of particles or gases to absorb photons;

a number that is proportional to the number of photons removed from the sight path by

absorption per unit length.

Absorption cross section:The amount of light absorbed by a particle divided by its

physical cross section.

Accumulation mode:A size range of particles, from about 0.1 to 3 micrometers, formed

largely by accumulation of gases and particles upon smaller particles. They are very

effective in scattering light.

Acid deposition:Wet and/or dry deposition of acidic materials to water or land surfaces.

The chemicals found in acidic deposition include nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium.

Acid precipitation:Typically is rain with high concentrations of acids produced by the

interaction of water with oxygenated compounds of sulfur and nitrogen which are the byproducts of fossil fuel combustion.

Acid rain:(or Acid Mist) The deposition of acid chemicals (incorporated into rain, snow,

fog, or precipitation) from the atmosphere to water or land surfaces. The pH of rain is

considered acid when it is below about 5.2 pH.

Adverse impact:A determination that an air-quality related value is likely to be degraded

within a Class I area.

Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS):A computer-based repository of US

air pollution information administered by the EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and

Standards.

Aerosol:Suspensions of tiny liquid and/or solid particles in the air.

Aerosol extinction:See reconstructed light extinction.

aerosol_bext:VIEWS parameter: Aerosol extinction; Type Code: CALC; Units: Inverse

megameters

Aethalometer:An aerosol monitoring instrument that continuously measures particle

light absorption (aerosol black carbon) on a quartz fiber filter.

AGf:VIEWS parameter: Silver (Fine); Description: Silver Elemental Concentration FINE

Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-22-4; AQS Code: 84166; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

Agglomeration:The process of collisions of particles that stick together to become larger

particles.

Air light:Light scattered by air (molecules or particles) toward an observer, reducing the

contrast of observed images.

Air parcel:A volume of air that tends to be trans-ported as a single entity.

Air pollutant:An unwanted chemical or other material found in the air.

Air pollution:Degradation of air quality resulting from unwanted chemicals or other

materials occurring in the air.

Air quality (In context of the national parks):The properties and degree of purity of air

to which people and natural and heritage resources are exposed.

Air Quality Values (AQRVs):Including visibility, flora, fauna, cultural and historical

resources, related values odor, soil, water, and virtually all resources that are dependent

upon and affected by air quality. "These values include visibility and those scenic,
Appendix A Page 7

cultural, biological, and recreation resources of an area that are affected by air quality"

(43 Fed. Reg. 15016).

AIRS:Aerometric Information Retrieval System (of USEPA)

AIRWeb:Air Resources Web, an air quality information retrieval system for US parks

and wildlife refuges developed by the Air Resources Division of the National Park

Service and the Air Quality Branch of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Al2O3:VIEWS parameter: Aluminum Oxide; CAS Number: 1344-28-1; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

Albedo:The fraction of total light incident on a reflecting surface that is reflected back

omnidirectionally.

ALc:VIEWS parameter: Aluminum (Coarse); CAS Number: 7429-90-5; AQS Code:

83101; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ALf:VIEWS parameter: Aluminum (Fine); CAS Number: 7429-90-5; AQS Code: 88104;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Ambient air:Air that is accessible to the public.

ammNO3:Ammonium nitrate.

ammNO3f:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Nitrate (Fine); CAS Number: 6484-52-2;

AQS Code: 88344; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ammNO3f_bext:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Nitrate Extinction (Fine); CAS

Number: 6484-52-2; Type Code: CALC; Units: Inverse megameters

ammNO3f_Large:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Nitrate (Fine), Large Fraction; Type

Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ammNO3f_Small:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Nitrate (Fine), Small Fraction; Type

Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ammSO4:Ammonium sulfate.

ammSO4f:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Sulfate (Fine); Description: If particulate

Sulfur (Sf) is non-null, then ammSO4f is calculated as 4.125 * Sulfur. Otherwise, it is

calculated as 1.375 * Sulfate (SO4f). If the concentration of the base parameter (Sf or

SO4f) is below the minimum detection limit, then 0.5 * MDL is used. (NOTE: The

calculation procedure for RHR datasets differs from this. Please see the RHR guidance

documents detailed calculation procedures.); CAS Number: 7783-20-2; AQS Code:

88339; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ammSO4f_bext:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Sulfate Extinction (Fine); CAS

Number: 7783-20-2; Type Code: CALC; Units: Inverse megameters

ammSO4f_Large:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Sulfate (Fine), Large Fraction; Type

Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ammSO4f_Small:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Sulfate (Fine), Small Fraction; Type

Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Anion:A negative ion, such as sulfate, nitrate, or chloride.

Anthropogenic:Produced by human activities.

Anthropogenic Fire Sources:Combustion emissions from agricultural burning by

farmers and ranchers and restoration burning activities of wildland managers. These

sources are computed as daily point source events.

Apparent contrast:Contrast at the observer of a target with respect to some background,

usually an element of horizon sky directly above the target.
Appendix A Page 8

Apparent spectral contrast:Percent difference in radiant energy associated with an

object and its background when the object is observed at some distance r.

Apportionment:To distribute or divide and assign proportionately.

Area Sources:Non-point land-based emissions sources that are treated as being spread

over a spatial extent (usually a county or air district) and that are not movable (as

compared to nonroad mobile and on-road mobile sources). Because it is not possible to

collect the emissions at each point of emission, they are estimated over larger regions.

These sources are computed as being spread over a spatial extent based on population,

economic activity data, or other factors, and estimated with factors developed from

special studies. Examples of stationary area sources are residential heating and

architectural coatings.

Artifact:Any component of a signal or measurement that is extraneous to the variable

represented by the signal or measurement.

Atmospheric clarity:An optical property related to the visual quality of the landscape

viewed from a distance.

Atomic absorption spectroscopy:A method of chemical analysis based on the

absorption of light of specific wavelengths of light by disassociated atoms in a flame or

high temperature furnace. It is sensitive only to elements.

Attainment area:A geographic area in which levels of a criteria air pollutant meet the

health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standard for that specific pollutant.

Attenuation:The diminution of quantity. In the case of visibility, attenuation or

extinction refers to the loss of image-forming light as it passes from an object to the

observer.

Audit:An investigation of the ability of a system of procedures and activities to produce

data of a specified quality.

Avg_bp:VIEWS parameter: Average barometric pressure; Description: Average

barometric pressure during sampling; Type Code: MET

Avg_Temp:VIEWS parameter: Average temperature; Description: Average temperature

during sampling; Type Code: TMP; Units: DEGREES, CENTIGRADE

B

babs:VIEWS parameter: Light absorption coefficient; Description: Light Absorption

Coefficient (Non-corrected); Type Code: OPT

Back trajectory:The modeled path of an air parcel as it is projected backward in time.

Background luminance:A measure of light power reflected or emitted from the

background of an object within a solid angle of one steradian per unit area projected in a

given direction.

BAf:VIEWS parameter: Barium (Fine); Description: Barium Elemental Concentration

FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-39-3; AQS Code: 84107; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_EC_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate EC PM2.5; CAS Number:

7440-44-0; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_MASS_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate MASS PM2.5; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_MMO_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate MMO PM2.5; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 9

BE_NH4_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate NH4 PM2.5; CAS

Number: 14798-03-9; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_NO3_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate NO3 PM2.5; CAS

Number: 12033-49-7; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_OM_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate OM PM2.5; Type Code:

PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_OTHER_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate OTHER PM2.5; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BE_SO4_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH Best Estimate SO4 PM2.5; CAS Number:

14808-79-8; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Best Available Control Technology (BACT):A source emission limitation, based on the

maximum degree of reduction for each pollutant, that must be applied by sources subject

to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program.

Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART):A source emission limitation, based on

the maximum degree of reduction for each pollutant, that must be achieved by sources

subject to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program.

Bext:See extinction.

Bias:An unfair influence, inclination, or partiality of opinion.

Bimodal distribution:A plot of the frequency of occurrence of a variable versus the

variable. A bimodal distribution exists if there are two maxima of the frequency of

occurrence separated by a mini-mum. See mode.

Biogenic Sources:Carbon and nitrogen emissions from plant and animal activities. These

sources are computed by applying meteorological data by land use type over a spatial

extent (an emissions model grid cell, cross-referenced to a county or air district).

Biological effects:Ecological studies to determine the nature or extent of air pollution

injury to biological systems.

BRc:VIEWS parameter: Bromine (Coarse); CAS Number: 7726-95-6; AQS Code:

83109; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

BRf:VIEWS parameter: Bromine (Fine); CAS Number: 7726-95-6; AQS Code: 88109;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Brightness:A measure of the light received from an object, adjusted for the wavelength

response of the human eye, so as to correspond to the subjective sensation of brightness.

For visually large objects, the brightness does not depend on the distance from the

observer.

Brightness contrast:The ratio of the difference in brightness between two objects to the

brightness of the brighter of the two. It varies from 0 to -1.

Bscat:Scattering coefficient. Measured directly by a nephelometer, the scattering

coefficient includes scattering due to particles and atmospheric gases (Rayleigh

scattering). Standard reporting units are inverse megameters (Mm-1).

bsp:VIEWS parameter: Light scattering coefficient; Description: Light Scattering

Coefficient (Bsp); Type Code: OPT; Units: Inverse megameters

Budget:See light extinction budget.

C

Ca:VIEWS parameter: Calcium Ion; Description: Calcium Ion; CAS Number: 7440-70-

2; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

CAA:Clean Air Act (including all of its amendments)
Appendix A Page 10

CAAA:Clean Air Act Amendments (generally refers to Clean Air Act Amendments of

1999)

CAc:VIEWS parameter: Calcium (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-70-2; AQS Code:

83111; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CAf:VIEWS parameter: Calcium (Fine); Description: Mass of calcium particles < 2.5 um

in diameter; CAS Number: 7440-70-2; AQS Code: 88111; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

Calibration:The process of submitting samples of known value to an instrument, in

order to establish the relationship of value to instrumental output.

Camera:Device for recording visual range on film.

CaO:VIEWS parameter: CaO; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

car_car:VIEWS parameter: Carbon Carbonate (Fine); Description: AIRS calculated;

CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Carbon Monoxide:One of the six criteria pollutants. A colorless, odorless and poisonous

gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon in fuels.

Cascade impactor:An instrument that samples particles by impacting on solid surfaces

via jets of air. After passing the first surface, the air is accelerated toward the next surface

by a higher speed jet, in order to capture smaller particles than could be captured by the

previous one.

CAt:VIEWS parameter: Calcium (Tsp); Description: Mass of calcium particles from

open inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 7440-70-2; AQS Code: 12111; Type Code: TSP;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CDf:VIEWS parameter: Cadmium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-43-9; AQS Code: 84110;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CEf:VIEWS parameter: Cerium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-45-1; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CENRAP:Central States Regional Air Partnership, one of five RPOs. Includes the states

and tribal areas encompassed by Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, iowa,

Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Affiliated with CenSARA.

CenSARA:Central States Air Resource Agencies. Represents the states of Nebraska,

Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

cf_vcode:VIEWS parameter: cf_vcode; Type Code: FLAG

Charge neutralization:A process of removing static electric charges. This is done to

particle- sampling filters in order to prevent electrostatic forces from distorting the

apparent weight of the sample.

Chemical Speciation Network (CSN):The CSN was established to meet the regulatory

requirements for monitoring speciated PM2.5 to determine the chemical composition of

these particles. The purpose of the CSN is to determine, over a period of several years,

trends in concentration levels of selected ions, metals, carbon species, and organic

compounds in PM2.5.The program began in 1999 with 54 Speciation Trends Network

(STN) sites across the nation located primarily in or near larger Metropolitan Statistical

Areas (MSAs) and has increased to 200 sites nationwide. In the database and in most of

the references on the VIEWS website, this network is currently referred to as the "EPA

PM2.5 Speciation - Daily" network.

CHL:Chloride. Primary measurement used to calculate sea salt in the revised IMPROVE

algorithm.
Appendix A Page 11

CHLf:VIEWS parameter: Chloride (Fine); Description: Chloride Elemental

Concentration FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 16887-00-6; AQS Code: 88203; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CHLt:VIEWS parameter: Chloride (Tsp); Description: Chloride ion concentration from

open inlet (no size cut); Type Code: TSP; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Cl:VIEWS parameter: Chlorine Ion; Description: Chlorine Ion; Type Code: AQU; Units:

MILLIGRAMS/LITER

Clarity:Relative distinctness or sharpness of perceived scene elements.

Class I Area:As defined by the Clean Air Act, include national parks greater than 6,000

acres, wilderness areas and national memorial parks greater than 5,000 acres, and

international parks that existed as of August 1977.

Class II Areas:Areas of the country protected under the Clean Air Act, but identified for

somewhat less stringent protection from air pollution damage than Class I, except in

specified cases.

CLc:VIEWS parameter: Chlorine (Coarse); CAS Number: 7782-50-5; AQS Code:

83115; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Clean Air Act:Originally passed in 1963, the current national air pollution control

program is based on the 1970 version of the law. Substantial revisions were made by the

1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

Clean fuels:Low-pollution fuels that can replace ordinary gasoline, including gasohol,

natural gas, and propane.

CLf:VIEWS parameter: Chlorine (Fine); CAS Number: 7782-50-5; AQS Code: 88115;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Cloud condensation nuclei:Particles of liquids or solids upon which condensation of

water vapor begins in the atmosphere.

CM_bext:VIEWS parameter: Coarse Mass Extinction; Type Code: CALC; Units:

Inverse megameters

CM_calculated:VIEWS parameter: Mass, PM2.5 - PM10 (Coarse); Description:

Calculated coarse mass; AQS Code: 81103; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter

(LC)

CM_measured:VIEWS parameter: PM2.5-10: mass (SFU); Description: Gravimetric

coarse mass; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CMAQ:Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system

CO:Carbon monoxide

Coagulation:The process by which small particles collide with and adhere to one another

to form larger particles.

Coarse mode:A size range of particles between 2.5 microns and 10 microns. Coarse

particles are mostly composed of soils. The sum of the masses of coarse and fine particles

(all particles smaller than 10 microns) is called PM10.

COf:VIEWS parameter: Cobalt (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-48-4; AQS Code: 84113;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Color:A qualitative sensation described by hue, brightness, and saturation

Color contrast or difference:Contrast between two adjacent scene element colors. Any

difference in color hue, saturation, or brightness, between two perceived objects.

Colorimetric analysis:Chemical analysis based on the colors of dyes formed by the

reaction of the analysis with reagents.
Appendix A Page 12

Condensation:A process by which molecules in the atmosphere collide and adhere to

small particles.

Condensation counternuclei:An instrument that counts nucleation mode particles by

causing them to grow in a humid atmosphere, and observing light reflections from the

individual enlarged particles.

Condensation nuclei:The small nuclei or particles with which gaseous constituents in

the atmosphere (e.g., water vapor) collide and adhere.

Continuous sampling device:An air analyzer that measures air quality components

continuously. (See also monitoring, integrated sampling device).

Contrast:Relative difference in light coming from a target compared to the surrounding

background, usually the horizon sky. Any difference in the optical quality of two adjacent

images.

Contrast change threshold:Minimum change in contrast perceptible to an observer.

Contrast threshold:Minimum apparent contrast at which a target is just perceptible.

Contrast transmittance:Ratio between apparent and inherent spectral contrast. When

the object is darker than its background, it has a value between 0 and -1. For objects

brighter than their background, the value varies from 0 to infinity. When the contrast

transmittance is equal to zero, the object cannot be seen.

CRc:VIEWS parameter: Chromium (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-47-3; AQS Code:

83112; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CRf:VIEWS parameter: Chromium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-47-3; AQS Code: 88112;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Criteria Pollutant:EPA uses six "criteria pollutants" as indicators of air quality, and has

established for each of them a maximum concentration above which adverse effects on

human health may occur. These threshold concentrations are called National Ambient Air

Quality Standards (NAAQS). The criteria pollutants are ozone, carbon monoxide,

nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and lead.

CSf:VIEWS parameter: Cesium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-46-2; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CUc:VIEWS parameter: Copper (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-50-8; AQS Code: 83114;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

CUf:VIEWS parameter: Copper (Fine); Description: Copper Elemental Concentration

FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-50-8; AQS Code: 88114; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Current conditions:Refers to contemporary, or modern, atmospheric conditions that are

affected by human activity.

D

DataBrowser Submit button:The large button in the middle of the Data Browser toolbar

that has a green arrow pointing to the word "Submit".

DataBrowser tabs:The series of simulated "folder tabs" that appear along the top of the

main Data Browser panel. The first of these tabs is labeled "Select Report".

Datalogger:An electronic device for measuring analog or digital signals and recording

the results on a storage media. Many of them can record inputs on a number of separate

locations, reporting them as separate "channels."

Deciview:The unit of measurement of haze, as in the haze index (HI) defined below.
Appendix A Page 13

Deliquescence:The process that occurs when the vapor pressure of the saturated aqueous

solution of a substance is less than the vapor pressure of the water in the ambient air.

Water vapor is collected until the substance is dissolved and in equilibrium with its

environment.

Dew point:The temperature at which humidity in the air will condense upon a solid

surface.

Dichotomous:Any particle sampler that separately collects coarse and fine particles

sampler from one atmosphere. Often refers to virtual impactor instruments.

Diffraction:Modification of the behavior of a light wave resulting from limitations of its

lateral extent by an obstacle. For example, the bending of light into the “shadow area”

behind a particle.

Diffusion:A process by which substances, heat, or other properties of a medium are

transferred from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration.

Direct effects:The optical effects of aerosols on climate modification referring to

absorption and scattering of solar radiation by airborne particles.

Dirtiest, or haziest, days of the year.:

Discoloration:Any change in the apparent color of an image. Often refers to the loss of

blue sky color due to air pollution.

Dose-response:The relationship between the dose of a pollutant and its effect on a

biological system.

Dry deposition:Also known as dryfall, includes gases and particles deposited from the

atmosphere to water and land surfaces. This dryfall can include acidifying compounds

such as nitric acid vapor, nitrate and sulfate particles, and acidic gases.

dv:VIEWS parameter: deciview; Type Code: CALC; Units: Deciview

E

E-GRID:Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database

EC:Elemental carbon (see LAC).

EC1f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Elemental Fraction 1 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88329; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

EC2f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Elemental Fraction 2 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88330; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

EC3f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Elemental Fraction 3 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88331; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ECf:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Elemental Total (Fine); Description: From TOR carbon

fractions (E1+E2+E3-OP); CAS Number: 7440-44-0; AQS Code: 88321; Type Code:

PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ECf_bext:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Elemental Extinction (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-

44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: Inverse megameters

ECf_NIOSH:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Elemental Total (Fine) (NIOSH); Description:

Organic Carbon from STN (NIOSH); CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ECHf:VIEWS parameter: Eh IMPROVE Pm2.5 LC; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; AQS

Code: 88323; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ECOS:Environmental Council of the States

Edge sharpness:Characteristic of landscape features. Landscape features with sharp

edges contain scenic features with abrupt changes in brightness.
Appendix A Page 14

EFF:VIEWS parameter: Rain Gauge Efficiency Ratio; Description: Rain Gauge

Efficiency Ratio (Svol/Ppt); Type Code: AQU

EI:Emission Inventory

Electrical aerosol:A particle sampler that puts electrical charges on particles and sorts

analyze them by their different drift rates in an electric field.

Elevated layer:A pollution distribution that is not in contact with the ground.

Emissions:Gaseous or particulate pollutants entering the atmosphere due to a man-made

or natural process.

EPA:Environmental Protection Agency

Equilibration:A balancing or counter balancing to create stability, often with a standard

measure or constant.

Equivalent contrast:Any scene can be fourier decomposed into light and dark bars of

various frequencies and intensities modulated in accordance with a sine wave function.

Equivalent contrast is the average contrast of those sine waves within a specified range of

spatial frequencies.

EUf:VIEWS parameter: Europium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-53-1; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Externally mixed:Particulate species that co-exist as separate particles without comingling or combining.

Extinction:The attenuation of light due to scattering and absorption as it passes through a

medium.

Extinction budget:Apportioning the extinction coefficient to atmospheric constituents to

analysis estimate the change in visibility caused by a change in constituent

concentrations.

Extinction coefficient:A measure of the ability of particles or gases to absorb and scatter

photons from a beam of light; a number that is proportional to the number of photons

removed from the sight path per unit length. See absorption.

Extinction cross section:The amount of light scattered and absorbed by a particle

divided by its physical cross section.

F

f(RH):Light scattering enhancement factor due to the uptake of water by certain aerosol

species, based on relative humidity. There are several versions of the f(RH) function used

in the original and revised IMPROVE algorithms.

fabs:VIEWS parameter: Filter Absorption Coefficient; Description: Filter Absorption

Coefficient (Non-corrected); AQS Code: 63102; Type Code: OPT

Fe2O3:VIEWS parameter: Fe2O3; CAS Number: 1309-37-1; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FEc:VIEWS parameter: Iron (Coarse); CAS Number: 7439-89-6; AQS Code: 83126;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FEf:VIEWS parameter: Iron (Fine); CAS Number: 7439-89-6; AQS Code: 88126; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Field Cond:VIEWS parameter: Field Conductance; Description: Conductance of the

precipitation sample as measured in the field laboratory, reported in microsiemens per

centimeter.; Type Code: MET; Units: MICROSIEMENS/CENTIMETER

Fine particles:Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less

(PM2.5). Fine particles are responsible for most atmospheric particle-induced extinction.

Ambient fine particulate matter consists basically of five species
Appendix A Page 15

Fine particulate matter:Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5

microns(PM2.5).

FIP:Federal Implementation Plan

FLM:Federal Land Manager

flRH:VIEWS parameter: Large particle size fRH; Type Code: CALC; Units: Unspecified

fRH:VIEWS parameter: Relative Humidity Factor; Type Code: MET

fRHgrid:VIEWS parameter: Relative Humidity Factor (Climatological Monthly);

Description: Based on climatological monthly average RH from EPA; Type Code:

CALC; Units: PERCENT

FRM_EC_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent EC PM2.5; CAS

Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_Mass:VIEWS parameter: FRM Mass; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_Mass_non-Blank:VIEWS parameter: FRM Mass non-Blank; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

FRM_MASS_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent MASS PM2.5;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_MMO_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent MMO PM2.5; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_NH4:VIEWS parameter: FRM NH4; CAS Number: 14798-03-9; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

FRM_NH4_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent NH4 PM2.5; CAS

Number: 14798-03-9; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_NO3:VIEWS parameter: FRM NO3; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

FRM_NO3_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent NO3 PM2.5; CAS

Number: 12033-49-7; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_OM_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent OM PM2.5; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_OTHER_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent OTHER PM2.5;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

FRM_SO4:VIEWS parameter: FRM SO4; CAS Number: 14808-79-8; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

FRM_SO4_PM25:VIEWS parameter: SEARCH FRM Equivalent SO4 PM2.5; CAS

Number: 14808-79-8; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

fsRH:VIEWS parameter: Small particle size fRH; Type Code: CALC; Units:

Unspecified

fssRH:VIEWS parameter: Sea salt fRH; Type Code: CALC; Units: Unspecified

Fugitive Dust:Emissions associated with anthropogenic mechanical processes affecting

the release of dust and organic carbon from disturbed or undisturbed lands. These sources

are computed as being spread over a spatial extent (a county or air district).

G

GAf:VIEWS parameter: Gallium (Fine); Description: Fine (PM2.5) particles of

elemental Gallium (GA); CAS Number: 7440-55-3; AQS Code: 84124; Type Code:

PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 16

GEf:VIEWS parameter: Germanium (Fine); Description: Germanium Elemental

Concentration FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-56-4; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

Glide Path:The Regional Haze Rule mathematical curve between baseline (2000-04)

conditions and natural (2064) conditions. Also called Glide Slope.

Glide Slope:The Regional Haze Rule mathematical curve between baseline (2000-04)

conditions and natural (2064) conditions. Also called Glide Path.

H

H1:VIEWS Status Flag: Historical data that have not been assessed or validated.; Source:

NARSTO

Hazardous air pollutants (HAP):Airborne chemicals that cause serious health and

environmental effects.

Haze:An atmospheric aerosol of sufficient concentration to be visible. The particles are

so small that they cannot be seen individually, but are still effective in scene distortion

and visual range restriction. See an example of uniform and Layered Hazes.

Hf:VIEWS parameter: Hydrogen (Fine); Description: Hydrogen Elemental

Concentration FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 1333-74-0; AQS Code: 88337; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

HFf:VIEWS parameter: Hafnium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-58-6; AQS Code: 88127;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

HgConc:VIEWS parameter: Total Mercury Concentration

HgDep:VIEWS parameter: Total Mercury Deposition

HGf:VIEWS parameter: Mercury (Fine); CAS Number: 7439-97-6; AQS Code: 84142;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

High volume:A simple particle sampler consisting of a filter holder and a vacuum

sampler cleaner blower, in a simple rain shelter. Some units have flow measuring or

controlling features.

HNO3:VIEWS parameter: Nitric Acid; CAS Number: 7697-37-2; AQS Code: 42305;

Type Code: GAS; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Homogenous nucleation:Process by which gases interact and combine with droplets

made up of their own kind. For instance, the collision and subsequent adherence of water

vapor to a water droplet is homogenous nucleation. See nucleation.

Hue:Attribute of color that determines whether it is red, yellow, green, blue, or other

color. It is most strongly related to wavelength of light.

Humidity:Water in air, as a gas. Often measured as a percentage, compared to the

maximum amount of water vapor the air can contain at that temperature.

Hydrocarbons:Compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon. Examples

Hydrophobic:Lacking affinity for water, or failing to adsorb or absorb water.

Hygroscopic:Readily absorbing moisture, as from the atmosphere.

I

I0:VIEWS Status Flag: Invalid value - unknown reason; Source: VIEWS

I1:VIEWS Status Flag: Invalid value - known reason; Source: VIEWS

I2:VIEWS Status Flag: Invalid value (-999), though sample-level flag seems valid

(SEM); Source: VIEWS

Illumination:Application of visible radiation to an object.
Appendix A Page 17

Impairment:The degree to which a scenic view or distance of clear visibility is degraded

by man-made pollutants.

IMPROVE:Interagency Monitoring of PROtected Visual Environments; a collaborative

monitoring program established in the mid-1980s as past of the Federal Implementation

Plans. IMPROVE objectives are to provide data needed to assess the impacts of new

emission sources, identify existing man-made visibility impairment, and assess progress

toward the national visibility goals that define protection of the 156 Class I areas.

IMPROVE algorithm, original:Algorithm used to calculate light extinction from

IMPROVE monitoring data, developed in the 1980s.

IMPROVE algorithm, revised:Algorithm used to calculate light extinction from

IMPROVE monitoring data, developed in 2005. The revised algorithm includes: variable

scattering efficiencies for sulfates, nitrates, and organic matter; a larger multiplier to

calculate organic mass from organic carbon; inclusion of site-specific Rayleigh

scattering; inclusion of extinction from sea salt; and inclusion of extinction from NO2

(optional).

Indirect effects:Non-optical atmospheric effects of aerosols on cloud albedo and

formation, e. g., as condensation nuclei for cloud droplets.

INf:VIEWS parameter: Indium (Fine); Description: Indium Elemental Concentration

FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-74-6; AQS Code: 84131; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Inhalable particulate matter:Particles smaller than about 12 micrometers in diameter,

capable of being drawn into the human bronchial system. Larger particles tend to be

filtered out in the upper respiratory tract.

Inherent spectral contrast:Percent difference in radiant energy associated with an

object and its background at an observer distance equal to zero.

Integral vistas:Scenic views which extend beyond Class I boundaries, that are critical to

the enjoyment of the area.

Integrated Database:The primary VIEWS relational database where data from

individual programs are normalized and integrated into a common schema. This

integration enables the management, analysis, and visualization of disparate source data

formats by a common set of tools.

Integrated Planning Model (IPM):An electric utility planning model that EPA uses to

estimate air emission changes, incremental electric power system costs, changes in fuel

use and prices, and other impacts of various approaches to air pollution control.

Integrated sampling:An air sampling device that allows estimation of air quality

components device over a period of time (e.g., 24 hours to two weeks) through laboratory

analysis of the sampler's medium.

Integrating nephelometer:An instrument that measures the amount of light scattered

(scattering coefficient).

Internally mixed:Refers to the situation where individual particles contain one or more

species. For example, water is internally mixed with its hygroscopic hosts.

invalcode:VIEWS parameter: Sample Invalidation Code; Description: A series of codes

assigned to samples which are considered invalid by NADP/NTN for the purposes of

computing weighted-mean concentrations, depositions, and data completeness estimates.

The codes indicate the reasons for invalidation. b = bulk sample (Collector was open

continuously.); u = undefined sample (Collector was open for > 6 hours and less than the
Appendix A Page 18

entire sampling interval when no precipitation was occurring; f = field protocol departure;

c = contaminated sample; v = inadequate volume for analysis; e = extended sampling

interval (> 8 days); l = lab error; i = incomplete chemical analyses; n = no sample

collected; p = precipitation amount unknown; x = reasons other than described above.;

Type Code: FLAG

Inversion:See temperature inversion.

Ion:A charged molecular group or atom.

Ion chromatography:A method of separating ions by their different speeds of passage

through an ion-exchange resin. The ions are usually detected by their conductivity.

IRf:VIEWS parameter: Iridium (Fine); CAS Number: 7439-88-5; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Isopleth:A line drawn on a map through all points having the same numerical value.

Isotropic:A situation where a quantity (or its spatial derivatives) are independent of

position or direction.

Isotropic scattering:The process of scattering light equally in all directions.

J

Just noticeable change:A variation of just noticeable difference that relates directly to

human visual perception. A JNC corresponds to the amount of optical change in the

atmosphere required to evoke human recognition of a change in a given landscape

(scenic) appearance. The change in atmospheric optical properties may be expressed as

the number of JNC's between views of a given scene at different intervals of time.

Just noticeable difference:Measure of change in image appearance that affects image

sharpness. Counting the number of JND's (detectable changes) in scene appearance is

regarded as an alternative method of quantifying visibility reduction (light extinction).

K

K:VIEWS parameter: Potassium Ion; Description: Potassium Ion; CAS Number: 7440-

09-7; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

K2O:VIEWS parameter: K2O; CAS Number: 12136-45-7; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Kc:VIEWS parameter: Potassium (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-09-7; AQS Code:

83180; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Kf:VIEWS parameter: Potassium (Fine); Description: Mass of potassium particles < 2.5

um in diameter; CAS Number: 7440-09-7; AQS Code: 88180; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

Kf_ion:VIEWS parameter: Potassium ion (Fine); Description: Mass of potassium

particles < 2.5 um in diameter, EPA Speciation ions; CAS Number: 7440-09-7; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Koschmeider constant:The constant in the reciprocal relationship between standard

visual range and the extinction coefficient.

Kt:VIEWS parameter: Potassium (Tsp); Description: Mass of potassium particles from

open inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 7440-09-7; AQS Code: 12180; Type Code: TSP;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

L

Lab Cond:VIEWS parameter: Lab Conductance; Description: Conductance of the

precipitation sample as measured at the CAL, reported in microsiemens per centimeter.;

Type Code: MET; Units: MICROSIEMENS/CENTIMETER
Appendix A Page 19

Lab Type:VIEWS parameter: Lab Type; Description: A code indicating the condition of

the sample upon arrival at the CAL.; Type Code: FLAG

LAC:Light absorbing carbon (see EC).

LADCO:Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium. Represents states of Illinois, Indiana,

Michigan, and Wisconsin.

LAf:VIEWS parameter: Lanthanum (Fine); Description: Lanthanum Elemental

concentration FINE Size Fraction ; CAS Number: 7439-91-0; AQS Code: 84146; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Large Fraction:Pertains to the revised IMPROVE algorithm. Measured sulfate, nitrate,

and organic matter are assumed to be the combination of large and small size

distributions, each with separate extinction efficiencies and f(RH) functions.

Layered haze:Haze that obscures a horizontal layer of a vista.

Light:Radiant energy that is capable of exciting the retina and producing a visual

sensation. This definition is the one most meaningful for display professionals, although

it differs from the definition frequently used by physicists. Our definition excludes

ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelengths. UV is shorter in wavelength than light as

we've defined it, and IR is longer. The visible wavelengths of the electromagnetic

spectrum extend from about 380 to 770 nm. The unit of light energy is the lumen second.

Light energy:Electromagnetic energy in the visibility spectrum, i.e. wave lengths

between 0.4 and 0.7 micrometers.

Light extinction budget:The percent of total atmospheric extinction attributed to each

aerosol and gaseous component of the atmosphere.

Liquid water:The water present within a cloud expressed as a percent of total cloud

constitutents, or liquid phase water in an aerosol.

Long path measurement:An atmospheric measurement process that is made over

distances in excess of a few hundred meters.

Luminance:A measure of light power refected or emitted from an object within a solid

angle of one steradian per unit area area projected in a given direction. The SI unit is the

candela per square meter, which is sometimes called a nit. See Brightness, Luminance,

and Confusion from Information Display, March 1993 by Charles P. Halsted at http

Luminous flux:Visible power, or light energy per unit of time. It is measured in lumens.

One watt of radiant power at 555 nm--the wavelength at which the typical human eye is

most sensitive--is equivalent to a luminous flux of 680 lumens. See brightness,

luminance, and confusion from Information Display, March 1993 by Charles P. Halsted

at http

Luminous intensity:The luminous flux per solid angle emitted or reflected from a point.

The unit of measure is the lumen per steradian, or candela (cd). (The steradian is the unit

of measurement of a solid angle.

M

M1:VIEWS Status Flag: Missing value because no value is available; Source: NARSTO

M2:VIEWS Status Flag: Missing value because invalidated by data originator; Source:

NARSTO

M3:VIEWS Status Flag: Missing value due to clogged filter; Source: NARSTO

Major source:A stationary facility that emits a regulated pollutant in an amount

exceeding the threshold level (100 or 250 tons per year, depending on the type of

facility).
Appendix A Page 20

MARAMA:Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association. Represents the states

of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West

Virginia, the city of Philadelphia and the District of Columbia.

Matrix filter:A filter that is formed of a mat or matrix of fibers. It is physically thick,

and particles are trapped deep in its structure.

Max_bp:VIEWS parameter: Maximum barometric pressure; Description: Maximum

barometric pressure during sampling; Type Code: MET

Max_Temp:VIEWS parameter: Maximum temperature; Description: Maximum

temperature during sampling; Type Code: TMP; Units: DEGREES, CENTIGRADE

Membrane filter:A thin filter, usually made of a synthetic polymer, with microscopic

holes in it. Particles are collected only on the surface facing the air flow.

Metadata:Data about data. In data processing, meta-data is definitional data that

provides information about or documentation of other data managed within an

application or environment.

MF:VIEWS parameter: Mass, PM2.5 (Fine); Description: Gravimetric fine mass; AQS

Code: 88502; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Mg:VIEWS parameter: Magnesium Ion; Description: Magnesium Ion; CAS Number:

7439-95-4; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

MGc:VIEWS parameter: Magnesium (Coarse); Description: Magnesium Elemental

Concentration FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7439-95-4; AQS Code: 83140; Type

Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

MGf:VIEWS parameter: Magnesium (Fine); Description: Mass of magnesium particles <

2.5 um in diameter; CAS Number: 7439-95-4; AQS Code: 88140; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

MGt:VIEWS parameter: Magnesium (Tsp); Description: Mass of magnesium particles

from open inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 7439-95-4; AQS Code: 12140; Type Code:

TSP; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Micron:A unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter; the unit of measure for

wavelength.

Midwest RPO:One of the five RPOs. Affiliated with LADCO. Includes the states and

tribal areas encompassed by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Mie scattering:The attenuation of light in the atmosphere by scattering due to particles

of a size comparable to the wavelength of the incident light. This is the phenomenon

largely responsible for the reduction of atmospheric visibility. Visible solar radiation falls

into the range from 0.4 to 0.8 μm, roughly with a maximum intensity around 0.52 μm.

Min_bp:VIEWS parameter: Minimum barometric pressure; Description: Minimum

barometric pressure during sampling; Type Code: MET

Min_Temp:VIEWS parameter: Minimum temperature; Description: Minimum

temperature during sampling; Type Code: TMP; Units: DEGREES, CENTIGRADE

Mixing layer:An unstable layer of air that has turbulent mixing, usually due to solar

heating of the ground. It is often capped by a stable layer of air.

MM5:Mesoscale Meteorological Model. A numerical model for weather prediction on

scales from continental to one km.

MNc:VIEWS parameter: Manganese (Coarse); CAS Number: 7439-96-5; AQS Code:

83132; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 21

MNf:VIEWS parameter: Manganese (Fine); CAS Number: 7439-96-5; AQS Code:

88132; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Mobile sources:Moving objects that release regulated air pollutants, (e.g., cars, trucks,

buses, airplanes, trains, motorcycles, and gas-powered lawn mowers). See also source;

stationary source.

Mode:The maximum point in a plot of the frequency of occurrence of a variable versus

the variable.

Models-3/CMAQ:Community Multiscale Air Quality model is a unique numerical grid

model capable of operating as part of the Models-3 framework for the purpose of

estimating pollutant concentrations for multiple pollutants (including ozone, particulate

matter, precursor and component species, regional haze, air toxins, etc.) in "oneatmosphere" model applications.

Modulation transfer function (MTF):Mathematical function which describes contrast

transmittance in spatial-frequency space. It is the ratio between scene equivalent contrast

at the observer and equivalent contrast at the object. When the object of interest is small

compared to its surroundings, the modulation transfer function and contrast transmittance

reduce to the same value.

MOf:VIEWS parameter: Molybdenum (Fine); CAS Number: 7439-98-7; Type Code:

PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Monitoring:Measurement of air pollution and related atmospheric parameters. See also

continuous sampling device, integrated sampling device.

Most impaired days:Data representing a subset of the annual measurements that

correspond to the

Most Recent Data:Any new data we receive is imported into our integrated database.

Though much of our data is also available in static ASCII text files, those files are

regenerated periodically and may not include the most recent data updates as a result.

MOU:Memorandum of Understanding.

MT:VIEWS parameter: Mass, PM10 (Total); Description: Gravimetric mass < 10 um in

diameter; AQS Code: 85101; Type Code: PM10; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

N

N2f:VIEWS parameter: Nitrite (Fine); CAS Number: 14797-65-0; AQS Code: 88338;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Na:VIEWS parameter: Sodium Ion; Description: Sodium Ion; CAS Number: 7440-23-5;

Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

NA:VIEWS Status Flag: Not available from source data; Source: VIEWS

NAc:VIEWS parameter: Sodium (Coarse); Description: Sodium Elemental

Concentration FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-23-5; AQS Code: 83184; Type

Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

NAf:VIEWS parameter: Sodium (Fine); Description: Mass of sodium particles < 2.5 um

in diameter; CAS Number: 7440-23-5; AQS Code: 88184; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

NAf_ion:VIEWS parameter: Sodium ion (Fine); Description: Mass of sodium particles <

2.5 um in diameter, EPA Speciation ions; CAS Number: 7440-23-5; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

NAS:National Academy of Sciences
Appendix A Page 22

NAt:VIEWS parameter: Sodium (Tsp); Description: Mass of sodium particles from open

inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 7440-23-5; AQS Code: 12184; Type Code: TSP; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

National Acid Precipitation Assessment (NAPAP):The 10-year (1980-1990)

interagency research program designed to investigate acid deposition and its effects

nationwide. The products of this program are the series of State of the Science and

Technology Program documents that summarize what we know about the severity of acid

deposition and the resources it affects.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards:Permissible levels of criteria air pollutants

established to protect public health and welfare. Established and maintained by EPA

under authority of the Clean Air Act.

National Atmospheric Program:A national network of about 200 sites where wet

deposition is collected weekly and sent to the Central Analytical Laboratory in Illinois for

Deposition chemical analysis. This network has operated since 1977 and is funded

(NADP) by seven federal agencies, and numerous cooperators in agencies, universities,

and industry. This network of predominately rural sites is designed to represent broad,

regional patterns of deposition.

Natural conditions:Prehistoric and pristine atmospheric states, i. e., atmospheric

conditions that are not affected by human activities.

Natural Conditions II:Alternate method for calculating natural conditions. Used in

conjunction with the revised IMPROVE algorithm.

Natural Fire Sources:Combustion emissions from wildfire, wildland fire use, nonfederal rangeland burning, and maintenance burning activities of wildland managers.

These sources are computed as daily point source events.

NBf:VIEWS parameter: Niobium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-03-1; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

NC II:Natural conditions II. Alternate method for calculating natural conditions. Used in

conjunction with the revised IMPROVE algorithm.

Nephelometer:An instrument used to measure the light scattering component of light

extinction.

Network:A collection of environmental monitoring locations operated according to a

common set of protocols and objectives. Often synonymous with "Program".

Neutron activation:A method of chemical analysis in which the sample is bombarded

with analysis neutrons in a nuclear reactor. The nuclei of various elements in the sample

are modified to radioactive forms, and the concentrations of the elements are then

determined by the intensities and wavelengths of the radiation emitted.

NGM:Nested Grid Model, a regional atmospheric model.

NH3:VIEWS parameter: Ammonia (vapor phase only); CAS Number: 7664-41-7; Type

Code: GAS; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

NH4:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Ion; Description: Ammonium Ion; CAS Number:

14798-03-9; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

NH4f:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Ion (Fine); Description: Mass of ammonium

particles < 2.5 um in diameter; CAS Number: 14798-03-9; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 23

NH4t:VIEWS parameter: Ammonium Ion (Tsp); Description: Mass of ammonium

particles from open inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 14798-03-9; Type Code: TSP;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

NIc:VIEWS parameter: Nickel (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-02-0; AQS Code: 83136;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

NIf:VIEWS parameter: Nickel (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-02-0; AQS Code: 88136;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Nitrogen dioxide:A gas (NO2) consisting of one nitrogen and two oxygen atoms. It

absorbs blue light and therefore has a reddish-brown color associated with it.

NO:Nitrous oxide

NO2:Nitrogen dioxide

NO3:VIEWS parameter: Nitrate Ion; Description: Nitrate Ion; CAS Number: 12033-49-

7; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

NO3_whatman:VIEWS parameter: Nitrate from whatman; Description: Nitrate from

CASTNet filter pack whatman; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; Type Code: UNS; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

NO3f:VIEWS parameter: Nitrate (Fine); Description: Mass of nitrate particles < 2.5 um

in diameter; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; AQS Code: 88306; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

NO3sum:VIEWS parameter: Nitrate (total tsp & vapor); Description: Sum of HNO3 and

particle NO3-; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter

(LC)

NO3t:VIEWS parameter: Nitrate (Tsp); Description: Mass of nitrate particles from open

inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 12033-49-7; AQS Code: 12306; Type Code: TSP;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Nonattainment area:A geographic area in which the level of a criteria air pollutant is

higher than the level allowed by the federal standards. For NAAQS, where the pattern of

"violations of standard" is sufficient to require remedial action; a boundary is determined

around the location of the violations. The area within that boundary is designated to be in

non-attainment of the particular NAAQS standard and an enforceable plan is developed

to prevent additional violations.

NOx:Oxides of nitrogen (NO + NO2). One of the six criteria pollutants. The term used to

describe the sum of nitric oxide (NO), nitric dioxide (NO2), and other oxides of nitrogen,

which plays a major role in the formation of ozone. The major sources of man-made NOx

emissions are high temperature combustion processes, such as those occurring in

automobiles and power plants.

NSPS:New Source Performance Standard. A standard for emissions from new stationary

sources. These sources are divided into several categories.

NSR:New Source Review. Federal air program that establishes control technologies and

emission limits for new major sources and for major modifications at existing sources.

Nucleation:Process by which a gas interacts and combines with droplets. See

homogenous nucleation.

Nuclei mode:A size range of particles below about 0.1 micrometer in diameter. These

particles are the nuclei around which larger particles grow.

nv_nitrate:VIEWS parameter: Non-Volatile Nitrate (Fine); Description: AIRS

calculated; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 24

O

O3:VIEWS parameter: Ozone; CAS Number: 10028-15-6; AQS Code: 44201; Type

Code: GAS; Units: PARTS PER BILLION

OAQPS:Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (of USEPA)

OAR:Office of Air and Radiation

Object luminance:A measure of light power reflected or emitted from an object itself

within a solid angle of one steradian per unit area projected in a given direction.

OC:Organic carbon.

OC1f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Fraction 1 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88332; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OC2f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Fraction 2 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88333; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OC3f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Fraction 3 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88334; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OC4f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Fraction 4 (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88335; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OCf:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Total (Fine); Description: From TOR carbon

fractions (OC1+OC2+OC3+OC4+OP); CAS Number: 7440-44-0; AQS Code: 88320;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OCf_NIOSH:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Total (Fine) (NIOSH); Description:

Organic Carbon from STN (NIOSH); CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OCf_NIOSHadj:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Total (Fine) (NIOSH Adjusted);

Description: Organic Carbon from STN (NIOSH Adjusted for blank correction); CAS

Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OCHf:VIEWS parameter: Oh IMPROVE Pm2.5 LC; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; AQS

Code: 88322; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OCMf_NIOSH:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Mass (Fine) (NIOSH Adjusted);

Description: 1.4 * OCf_NIOSHadj; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

OCX2f:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Fraction 2 (Fine) (NIOSH); Description:

EPA PM 2.5 Chemical Speciation Network, NIOSH 5040; CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Off-Road Mobile Sources:Emissions sources from vehicular and otherwise movable

sources not traveling on roadways. These sources are computed as being spread over a

spatial extent (a county or air district). Off-road mobile source emissions are estimated as

the products of emissions factors and activity estimates. Examples of nonroad mobile

sources include locomotives, lawn and garden equipment, construction vehicles, and boat

emissions.

Off-Shore Sources:Emissions sources occurring in the open ocean distinctly separated

from land-based activities. These sources are computed by applying activity location data

by emissions activity type over a spatial extent (marine shipping in an emissions model

grid cell) or emissions sources that are identified by point locations (oil drilling and

production platforms). The emissions from off-shore marine shipping are in the

international portions of the open ocean, not associated with port activities; the emissions

from ships, tugboats, and cruise vessels in and around ports and harbors are included in
Appendix A Page 25

the nonroad mobile sources category and are regulated by states, counties, and/or air

districts.

OMC:Organic mass estimated from the IMPROVE organic carbon measurement (see

POM).

OMCf:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Mass (Fine) (1.8*OC); Description: 1.8 *

OC; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; AQS Code: 88350; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

OMCf_1.4:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Mass (Fine) (1.4*OC); Description: 1.4

* OC; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OMCf_bext:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Extinction (Fine); CAS Number:

7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: Inverse megameters

OMCf_Large:VIEWS parameter: Organic Carbon Mass (Fine), Large Fraction; CAS

Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

OMCf_Small:VIEWS parameter: Organic Carbon Mass (Fine), Small Fraction; CAS

Number: 7440-44-0; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

On-Road Mobile Sources:Emissions sources from vehicles certified for highway use.

Sources can be computed either as being spread over a spatial extent or as being assigned

to a line location, and on-road inventories can be reflected as either emissions or activity

data. On-road mobile source emissions are estimated as the products of emissions factors

and activity estimates. Samples of on-road mobile sources include light-duty gasoline

vehicles and heavy-duty diesel vehicles

OPf:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Organic Pyrolized (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-44-0;

AQS Code: 88328; Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Optical depth:The degree to which a cloud or haze prevents light from passing through

it. It is a function of physical composition, size distribution, and particle concentration.

Often used interchangeably with "turbidity."

Optical monitoring:Optical monitoring refers to directly measuring the behavior of light

in the ambient atmosphere.

Optical particle:An instrument which measures the size of individual particles by the

counter amount of reflected light from a microscopic illuminated volume.

Organic compounds:Chemicals that contain the element carbon.

Orifice audit device:A device which measures air flow based on the known relationship

of air flow through and orifice to the pressure drop across it.

Origins:Particle origins can be anthropogenic (man-made) or natural. Another origin

classification is primary (particles that are emitted into the atmosphere as particles, such

as organic and soot particles in smoke plumes or soil dust particles), and secondary (those

formed from gas-to-particle conversion in the atmosphere, such as sulfates, nitrates, and

secondary organics).

OTC:Ozone Transport Commission. One of the five RPOs, affiliated with the Northeast

States for Coordinated Air Use Management Association (NESCAUM) and the MidAtlantic Regional Air Management Association (MARAMA). Includes the states and

tribal areas encompassed by Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,

New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont,

Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Ozone:One of the six criteria pollutants. Ozone (O3) is a photochemical oxidant and the

major component of smog.
Appendix A Page 26

P

Parameter:A substance or variable that is measured, calculated, or modeled. Examples

are "Sulfate, PM2.5", "Aerosol Optical Depth", "Relative Humidity", etc.

Particle sampler:An instrument to measure particulate matter in ambient air.

Particle scattering coefficient:Proportion of incident light scattered by particles per unit

distance (Mm-1).

Path radiance:Or "airlight," a radiometric property of the air resulting from light

scattering processes along the sight line, or path, between a viewer and the object (target).

PBc:VIEWS parameter: Lead (Coarse); CAS Number: 7439-92-1; AQS Code: 83128;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PBf:VIEWS parameter: Lead (Fine); CAS Number: 7439-92-1; AQS Code: 88128; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Pc:VIEWS parameter: Phosphorus (Coarse); CAS Number: 7723-14-0; AQS Code:

83152; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PCM1_Mass:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 Mass; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PCM1_NH4:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 NH4; CAS Number: 14798-03-9; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM1_NO3:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 NO3; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM1_SO4:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 SO4; CAS Number: 14808-79-8; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM1_TEF_NH4:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 Teflon NH4; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PCM1_TEF_NO3:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 Teflon NO3; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PCM1_VOL_NH4:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 Vol NH4; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PCM1_VOL_NO3:VIEWS parameter: PCM1 Vol NO3; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PCM2_CL:VIEWS parameter: PCM2 CL; CAS Number: 16887-00-6; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM2_NH4:VIEWS parameter: PCM2 NH4; CAS Number: 14798-03-9; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM2_NO3:VIEWS parameter: PCM2 NO3; CAS Number: 12033-49-7; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM2_SO4:VIEWS parameter: PCM2 SO4; CAS Number: 14808-79-8; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM3_EC:VIEWS parameter: PCM3 EC; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PCM3_OC:VIEWS parameter: PCM3 OC; CAS Number: 7440-44-0; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

PDf:VIEWS parameter: Palladium (Fine); Description: Palladium Elemental

Concentration FINE Size Fraction; CAS Number: 7440-05-3; AQS Code: 84151; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

PEC:Primary elemental carbon

Perceived Visual Air Quality (PVAQ):An index that relates directly to how human

observers perceive changes in visual air quality.

Perceptible:Capable of being seen.

Pf:VIEWS parameter: Phosphorus (Fine); CAS Number: 7723-14-0; AQS Code: 88152;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 27

pH Field:VIEWS parameter: Field pH; Description: The pH of the sample as measured

in the field laboratory, reported as the negative log of hydrogen ion concentration.; Type

Code: MET; Units: PH UNITS

pH Lab:VIEWS parameter: Lab pH; Description: Negative log of the hydrogen ion

concentration as measured at the CAL, in pH units.; Type Code: MET; Units: PH UNITS

Phase function:Relationship of scattered to incident light as a function of scattering

angle; volume scattering function.

Phase shift:A change in the periodicity of a wave-form such as light.

phf_vcode:VIEWS parameter: Field pH Validity Code; Description: p = the field

measurement passes all of the screening criteria; f = the field measurement fails to pass

all of the screening criteria; i = incomplete information. Some of the information required

to complete the screening is unavailable, and none of the information that IS available

would warrant the assignment of a field validity code of "f".; Type Code: FLAG

Photochemical:Any chemical reaction which is initiated by light. Such processes are

process important in the production of ozone and sulfates in smog.

Photometer:Instrument for measuring photometric quantities such as luminance,

illuminance, luminous intensity, and luminous flux. An instrument for measuring the

brightness of an object. It has been suggested that this name be reserved for those

instruments which have been adjusted to match the wavelength response of the human

eye, but established usage is not yet this consistent, and radiometers are sometimes called

photometers.

Photometry:Instrumental methods, including analytical methods, employing

measurement of light intensity. See telephotometer.

Photon:A bundle of electromagnetic energy that exhibits both wave-like and particle-like

characteristics.

Photopic:Vision or wavelength response of the cones of a normal eye when exposed to a

luminance of at least 3.4 candelas per square meter.

Plume:Airborne emissions from a specified source and the path through the atmosphere

of these emissions.

Plume blight:Visual impairment of air quality that manifests itself as a coherent plume.

See an example of plume bight.

PM10:Measure of particulate matter (pollutants from combustion and natural sources);

denotes particles with a nominal size less than 10 micrometers in diameter.

PM2.5:Measure of particulate matter (pollutants from combustion and natural sources);

denotes particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.

PM25_MajorMetalOxides:VIEWS parameter: PM25 MajorMetalOxides; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

PMC:Coarse particulate matter (PM10 - PM2.5)

PMFINE:Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

PNO3:Particulate nitrate

PO4:VIEWS parameter: Phosphate Ion; Description: Phosphate Ion; CAS Number:

14265-44-2; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

POA:Primary organic aerosol

Point source:A source of pollution that is point-like in nature. An example is the smoke

stack of a coal-fired power plant or smelter. See source.
Appendix A Page 28

Point Sources:Emissions sources that are identified by point locations, typically because

they are regulated and their locations are available in regulatory reports. The

characteristics of these sources are generally very well understood, with detailed

information available about stack height, emissions rates, chemical composition, and

operating schedules. Point sources can be further subdivided into electric generating unit

(EGU) sources and non-EGU sources, particularly in criteria inventories in which EGUs

are a primary source of NOx and SO2. Examples of non-EGU major point sources

include chemical manufacturers, refineries, smelters, and pulp and paper mills.

Polar nephelometer:An instrument that measures the amount of light scattered in a

specific direction. See integrating nephelometer.

Polarization:A property of light. Light can be linearly polarized in any direction

perpendicular to the direction of travel, circularly polarized (clockwise or

counterclockwise), unpolarized, or mixtures of the above.

POM:Particulate organic matter (see OMC).

Ppb:Parts per billion (1 in 10^9).

Ppm:Parts per million (1 in 10^6).

Ppt:Parts per trillion (1 in 10^12).

Ppt Nws:VIEWS parameter: NWS Stick Gauge Reading; Description: Precipitation

amount as measured by the NWS stick rain gage, in mm. Trace amounts are indicated by

-7.; Type Code: MET; Units: MILLIMETERS (RAINFALL)

Ppt Rec:VIEWS parameter: Rain Gauge Reading; Description: Precipitation amount as

measured by the recording rain gage, in mm. Trace amounts are indicated by -7.; Type

Code: MET; Units: MILLIMETERS (RAINFALL)

Precursor:A substance or condition whose presence generally precedes the formation of

another, more notable, condition or substance.

Precursor emissions:Emissions from point or regional sources that transform into

pollutants with varied chemical properties.

Prescribed burn:A wildland fire whose progress has been controlled by a combination

of strategies, including

Prevention of Significant Deterioration:A program established by the Clean Air Act

that limits the amount of additional air pollution that is allowed in Class I and Class II

areas.

Primary particles:Primary particles are suspended in the atmosphere as particles from

the time of emission, e. g., dust and soot.

Program:An organized effort to obtain related environmental data on a regular or

periodic basis, usually by means of the routine operation of a monitoring network or

special study. Often synonymous with "Network".

PSAT:PM Source Apportionment Technology (PSAT) is a modeling tool which

performs source apportionment based on user-defined source groups. A source group is

the combination of a geographic source region and an emissions source category.

Examples of source regions include states, nonattainment areas, and counties. Examples

of source categories include mobile sources, biogenic sources, and elevated point sources.

PSD:Prevention of Significant Deterioration; a program established by the Clean Air Act

that limits the amount of additional air pollution that is allowed in Class I and Class II

areas.

PSO4:Particulate sulfate
Appendix A Page 29

Psychophysical:The branch of psychology that deals with the relationships between

physical stimuli and resulting sensations and mental states.

Psychrometer:An instrument for measuring humidity based on the temperature drop of a

thermometer with a wet wick on the bulb.

PVAQ:See Perceived Visual Air Quality.

Pyranometer:Instrument that measures directly the loss of total solar radiance under

clear sky conditions.

Q

QR Code:VIEWS parameter: Quality Rating Code; Description: A code indicating the

relative quality of the sample.; Type Code: FLAG

QTAG:Ozone transport Assessment Group. A national workgroup that addressed the

problem of ground level ozone (smog) and the long-range transport of air pollution across

the Eastern United States.

QTAQ:Office of Transportation and Air Quality (of USEPA)

Quadratic detection model:Model used to predict the amount of change in equivalent

contrast or perceived landscape structure required to evoke a single noticeable change in

landscape appearance.

Quality assurance:An overall plan undertaken to quantify, control, and perhaps improve

the quality of data acquired by a system.

Quality control:Actions routinely taken to maintain a specified level of quality of

acquired data.

R

RACT:Reasonably Available Control Technology

Radiometer:A name for light-measuring instruments which do not match the wavelength

response of the human eye.

RAVI:Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment; visibility impairment caused by a

single or small number of sources.

RBEXT:VIEWS parameter: RBext

RBf:VIEWS parameter: Rubidium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-17-7; AQS Code: 88176;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

RCFM:VIEWS parameter: Mass, PM2.5 Reconstructed (Fine); Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

RCTM:VIEWS parameter: Reconstructed Total Mass; Type Code: CALC; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

Receptor Modeling:The application of multivariate statistical methods to the

identification and quantitative apportionment of air pollutants to their sources.

Reconstructed light extinction:The relationship between atmospheric aerosols and the

light extinction coefficient. Can usually be approximated as the sum of the products of

the concentrations of individual species and their respective light extinction efficiencies.

Reflectance:Ratio of reflected to incident light.

Reflection:Return of radiation by a surface without a change of frequency.

Refraction:The change of direction of a ray of light in passing obliquely from one

medium into another in which the speed of propagation differs.

Regional haze:A cloud of aerosols extending up to hundreds of miles across a region and

promoting noticeably hazy conditions. Condition of the atmosphere in which uniformly
Appendix A Page 30

distributed aerosol obscures the entire vista irrespective of direction or point of

observation. Is not easily traced visually to a single source.

Regional Haze Rule:A rule enacted in 1999 by the EPA that calls for state and federal

agencies to work together to improve visibility in 156 national parks and wilderness areas

such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Great Smokies and Shenandoah. The rule

requires the states, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency, the

National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other

interested parties, to develop and implement air quality protection plans to reduce the

pollution that causes visibility impairment. The first State plans for regional haze are due

in the 2003-2008 timeframe. Five multi-state regional planning organizations are working

together now to develop the technical basis for these plans.

Relative Response Factor:Estimated or expected change in aerosol species monitoring

concentration between 2 different years, based on model results from both years. WRAP

used 3 methods to develop relative response factors (RRFs): Specific Days (designated

by EPA); Quarterly Weighted; and Monthly Weighted. These methods are described in

more detail under the TSS Methods page.

REMSAD:Regulatory Modeling System for Aerosols and Deposition; a numerical grid

model for rapid scoping and strategy assessments for particulate matter, regional haze,

PM species, and deposition of air toxins.

Report:Organized and formatted data, often displayed as a web page or data file.

Residence Time:The fraction of time an air parcel spends in a defined region (model grid

cell). Residence time maps are generated by summarizing back trajectories over a period

of time of interest.

RFP:Request for Proposal

RH:VIEWS parameter: Relative Humidity (Station Hourly); Description: Hourly RH

measured at Nephelometer Station; AQS Code: 68110; Type Code: MET; Units:

PERCENT

RHgrid:VIEWS parameter: Relative Humidity (Climatological Monthly); Description:

Climatological monthly average RH from EPA; Type Code: CALC; Units: PERCENT

Road Dust:Emissions associated with mechanical re-entrainment of dust materials from

paved and unpaved road surfaces by vehicular traffic. These sources are computed as

being spread over a spatial extent (a county or air district).

RPO:Regional Planning Organization

RRF:See Relative Response Factor.

S

S_Rayleigh:VIEWS parameter: Site Rayleigh; Type Code: CALC; Units: Inverse

megameters

Saturation:One part of the description of color, it qualitatively corresponds to the purity

of color

SBf:VIEWS parameter: Antimony (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-36-0; AQS Code: 84102;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Sc:VIEWS parameter: Sulfur (Coarse); CAS Number: 7704-34-9; AQS Code: 83169;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Scattering (light):An interaction of a light wave with an object that causes the light to be

redirected in its path. In elastic scattering, no energy is lost to the object.
Appendix A Page 31

Scattering angle:The angle between the direction of propagation of the scattered and

incident light (or transmitted light)

Scattering coefficient:A measure of the ability of particles or gases to scatter photons

out of a beam of light; a number that is proportional to the amount of photons scattered

per unit length.

Scattering cross section:The amount of light scattered by a particle divided by its

physical cross section.

Scattering efficiency:The relative ability of aerosols and gases to scatter light. A higher

scattering efficiency means more light scattering per unit mass or number of particles,

this in turn means poorer visibility. In general, fine particles (diameter less than 2.5

microns) are efficient scatterers of visible light.

Scene element:Discrete segment of a landscape scene.

Scene monitoring:Scene monitoring is the monitoring of a specific vista or target.

Optical and aerosol monitoring measure an abstract, but easily quantifiable parameter of

the atmosphere. Scene monitoring captures the effects of all atmospheric parameters

simultaneously, but in an inherently difficult manner to quantify. It is, for example,

difficult to determine quantitatively which of two photographs represent "better"

visibility conditions. Scene monitoring is generally done to help relate quantitative data

in a "user-friendly" format.

SCf:VIEWS parameter: Scandium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-20-2; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Sea Salt:Particulate matter generated by wind on the ocean, approximated from

measurements of chloride or chlorine in an aerosol sampler.

SeaSaltf:VIEWS parameter: Sea Salt (Fine); Description: 1.8 x [Chloride], or 1.8 x

[Chlorine] if the chloride measurement is below detection limits, missing or invalid.;

CAS Number: 7647-14-5; Type Code: PM2.5

SeaSaltf_bext:VIEWS parameter: Sea Salt (Fine), Light Extinction; Description: Light

Extinction due to Fine (PM2.5) Sea Salt; Type Code: CALC

Secondary aerosols:Aerosol formed by the interaction of two or more gas molecules

and/or primary aerosols.

Secondary particles:Form in the atmosphere by a gas-to-particle conversion process.

SEf:VIEWS parameter: Selenium (Fine); CAS Number: 7782-49-2; AQS Code: 88154;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SESARM:Southeast States Air Resource Managers. Affiliated with Southern

Appalachian Mountain Initiative (SAMI). Represents the states of Alabama, Georgia,

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Sf:VIEWS parameter: Sulfur (Fine); CAS Number: 7704-34-9; AQS Code: 88169; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SGA:Southern Governors Association.

SIc:VIEWS parameter: Silicon (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-21-3; AQS Code: 83165;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SIf:VIEWS parameter: Silicon (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-21-3; AQS Code: 88165;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Sight path:The straight line between the observation point and the target.

SiO2:VIEWS parameter: Sand; CAS Number: 14808-60-7; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 32

SIP:State Implementation Plan; a detailed description of the measures a state will use to

carry out its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act.

Skinny Format:A report format in which parameter concentrations are displayed as a

single column of data next to a Parameter Code column. This format is normalized for

relational databases and results in a longer file.

SL:VIEWS parameter: Sample Level Code; Description: A code indicating departures

from field or laboratory standard operating procedures.; Type Code: FLAG

Small Fraction:Pertains to the revised IMPROVE algorithm. Measured sulfate, nitrate,

and organic matter are assumed to be the combination of large and small size

distributions, each with separate extinction efficiencies and f(RH) functions.

SMf:VIEWS parameter: Samarium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-19-9; Type Code:

PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Smog:A mixture of air pollutants, principally ground-level ozone, produced by chemical

reactions involving smog-forming chemicals. See also haze.

SMOKE:Sparse Matrix Object Kernel Emission-EPA processor for preparation of

emission data.

SNf:VIEWS parameter: Tin (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-31-5; AQS Code: 84160; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SO2:VIEWS parameter: Sulfur Dioxide; CAS Number: 7446-09-5; AQS Code: 42401;

Type Code: GAS; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SO2_whatman:VIEWS parameter: Sulfur dioxide from whatman; Description: Sulfur

dioxide from CASTNet filter pack, whatman filter (used with SO4_nylon to calculate

SO2); CAS Number: 7446-09-5; Type Code: UNS; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SO4:VIEWS parameter: Sulfate Ion; Description: Sulfate Ion; CAS Number: 14808-79-

8; Type Code: AQU; Units: MILLIGRAMS/LITER

SO4_nylon:VIEWS parameter: Sulfate from nylon; Description: Sulfate from CASTNet

filter pack, nylon filter (used with SO2_whatman to calculate SO2); CAS Number:

14808-79-8; Type Code: UNS; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SO4f:VIEWS parameter: Sulfate (Fine); Description: Mass of sulfate particles < 2.5 um

in diameter; CAS Number: 14808-79-8; AQS Code: 88403; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

SO4t:VIEWS parameter: Sulfate (Tsp); Description: Mass of sulfate particles from open

inlet (no size cut); CAS Number: 14808-79-8; AQS Code: 12403; Type Code: TSP;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

SOILf:VIEWS parameter: Soil (Fine); AQS Code: 88348; Type Code: PM2.5; Units:

UG/CU Meter (LC)

SOILf_bext:VIEWS parameter: Soil Extinction (Fine); Type Code: CALC; Units:

Inverse megameters

SOILPART:VIEWS parameter: Particles: Soil composition; Description: Derived from

information on the NAtChem website.; Units: NG/Cu Meter (LC)

Soot:Black particles with high concentrations of carbon in graphitic and amorphous

elemental forms. It is a product of incomplete combustion of organic compounds.

SOP:Standard Operating Procedure

Source:In atmospheric chemistry, the place, places, group of sites, or areas where a

substance is injected into the atmosphere. Can include point sources, elevated sources,

area sources, regional sources, multiple sources, etc.
Appendix A Page 33

Southern Appalachian Mountain Initiative (SAMI):A consortium of government

agencies, industry, and environmental groups, formed to investigate the status of air

quality and its effects in the highland regions of the southeastern United States. The

objective of this regional cooperative is to determine the current and future impacts of

regional air pollutants, such as ozone and acid deposition, and to recommend regional air

management strategies to control the formation of these pollutants.

SP:VIEWS parameter: Sample Protocol Code; Description: A code indicating departures

from standard sample collection procedures that may have compromised sample

integrity.; Type Code: FLAG

Spatial frequency:The reciprocal of the distance between sine wave crests (or troughs)

measured in degrees of angular subtense of a sine wave grating. Spatial frequency is a

general term for the frequencies associated with the image radiance in a scene along the

path of radiance (path of sight). Landscape features contain multiple landscape scenic

elements. Each element generates its own image radiance with its own frequency and

intensity.

Spectral:An adjective implying a separation of wavelengths of light or other waves into

a spectrum or separated series of wavelengths.

SRf:VIEWS parameter: Strontium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-24-6; AQS Code: 88168;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Stable air mass:An air mass which has little vertical mixing. See temperature inversion.

Stagnant:Referring to meteorological conditions that are not conducive to atmospheric

mixing.

Stagnation episodes:See stagnation periods.

Stagnation periods:Lengths of time during which little atmospheric mixing occurs over

a geographical area, making the presence of layered hazes more likely. See temperature

inversion.

Standard visual range:Reciprocal of the extinction coefficient. The distance under

daylight and uniform lighting conditions at which the apparent contrast between a

specified target and its background becomes just equal to the threshold contrast of an

observer, assumed to be 0.02.

STAPPA/ALAPCO:State and Territorial Air Pollution Program

Administrators/Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officers. The two national

associations representing air pollution control agencies in the 54 states and territories and

over 150 major metropolitan areas across the United States.

State Implementation Plan:A collection of regulations used by the state to carry out its

Implementation responsibilities under the Clean Air Act.

Stationary source:A fixed source of regulated air pollutants (e.g., industrial facility). See

also source; mobile sources.

Std2local_cf:VIEWS parameter: STP to Loc conversion factor; Description: Numeric

factor for converting from Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) to Local

Temperature and Pressure

Stratification:The process of separating a database into different groups according to (of

data) some detail of their origin, for the purposes of improving statistical sensitivity.

Strip chart recorder:A device for making a time record of some signal, usually an

applied voltage. The signal drives a pen in one direction, while paper is moved under the

pen in the perpendicular direction at a uniform rate.
Appendix A Page 34

SubPpt:VIEWS parameter: Substituted Precipitation; Description: Precipitation amount

used by NADP in calculating weighted-mean concentrations, depositions and

precipitation totals, in mm. In most cases sub_ppt equals the recording rain gauge

reading. Where rain gauge reading is a trace amount, a value of 0.127mm is assigned; in

cases where the recording rain gauge reading is missing or invalid, the NWS stick rain

gauge amount is used; in cases where both rain gauge readings are missing or invalid, the

equivalent depth of the sample volume is used (for this conversion, the area of the sample

bucket is 678.9 square centimeters).; Type Code: MET; Units: MILLIMETERS

(RAINFALL)

Substitute Data:Some IMPROVE monitoring sites did not meet EPA Regional Haze

Rule data completeness requirements for the baseline period (2000-04). For these sites

data were substituted for missing samples based on a methodology developed by WRAP.

For more information see

http://matar.cira.colostate.edu/views/web/documents/substitutedata.aspx

SULF:Sulfuric acid

Sulfur dioxide:A gas (SO2) consisting of one sulfur and two oxygen atoms. Of interest

because sulfur dioxide converts to an aerosol that is a very efficient light scatterer. Also,

it can convert into acid droplets consisting primarily of sulfuric acid.

Sun angle:Refers to the angle of the sun above the horizon of the earth.

Sun radiometer:A device for measuring the intensity of sunlight falling on the ground. If

the sky is cloudless and the angle of the sun is known, then a measure of the clarity of the

air can be had by this measurement.

Super-VHS:A high definition video format which is capable of achieving horizontal

resolution of over 400 lines. A tape recorded in S-VHS format cannot be played on a

recorder which is designed to accommodate only the VHS format. See also VHS.

Surface layer:A concentration of air pollution that extends from the ground to an

elevation where the top edge of a pollution layer is visible.

Svol:VIEWS parameter: Sample Volume; Description: Volume of sample captured in the

sample bucket, in ml.; Type Code: MET; Units: MILLILITERS

SVR:VIEWS parameter: Standard Visual Range; Type Code: CALC; Units:

KILOMETERS (VISIBILITY)

T

TAf:VIEWS parameter: Tantalum (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-25-7; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Target:Object in the distance observed by a person or instrument for visibility

measurements.

TBf:VIEWS parameter: Terbium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-27-9; Type Code: PM2.5;

Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

TCMf:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Total Mass (Fine); Description: OMCf + ECf; Type

Code: PM2.5

TCMf_NIOSH:VIEWS parameter: Carbon, Total Mass (Fine) (NIOSH Adjusted);

Description: OMCf_NIOSH + ECf_NIOSH; Type Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter

(LC)

Telephotometer:An instrument that measures the brightness of a specific point in either

the sky or vista.
Appendix A Page 35

Temperature:Weather condition in which warm air sits atop cooler air, promoting

inversion stagnation and increased concentrations of air pollutants. A condition of a layer

of atmosphere in which temperature increases with altitude. Such a layer is stable, and

pollutants migrate through it very slowly. Also known as an inversion layer.

Temperature inversion:In meteorology, a departure from the normal decrease of

temperature with increasing altitude such that the temperature is higher at a given height

in the inversion layer than would be expected from the temperature below the layer. This

warmer layer leads to increased stability and limited vertical mixing of air.

Texture:Roughness of the landscape.

Threshold contrast:A measure of human eye sensitivity to contrast. It is the smallest

increment of contrast perceptible by the human eye.

TIc:VIEWS parameter: Titanium (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-32-6; AQS Code:

83161; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

TIf:VIEWS parameter: Titanium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-32-6; AQS Code: 88161;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

TiO2:VIEWS parameter: Titanium Dioxide; CAS Number: 13463-67-7; Units: UG/CU

Meter (LC)

TIP:Tribal Implementation Plan; a detailed description of the measures a tribe will use to

carry out its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act.

Total carbon:Sum of the light absorbing carbon and organic carbon.

Total light extinction:The sum of scattering (including Rayleigh scattering) and

absorption coefficients. See also extinction coefficient.

Total suspended particulates:Total particulate matter in a sample of ambient air.

total_bext:VIEWS parameter: Total extinction, aerosol + rayleigh; Type Code: CALC;

Units: Inverse megameters

Toxic air pollutants:See hazardous air pollutants.

TPINT:VIEWS parameter: Internal instrument temperature; Description: Internal

temperature as recorded inside instrument; Type Code: TMP; Units: DEGREES,

CENTIGRADE

Tracer elements:An element which is emitted most strongly by a specific source or class

of sources, and can therefore be used as evidence for an impact by such a source when

the element is detected in an air pollution sample.

Transmission gauge:A device for determining the amount of particles collected on a

filter by the attenuation of light passing through the filter. Beta rays are sometimes used

in place of visible light, and the resulting instrument is called a beta gauge.

Transmissometer:An instrument that measures the amount of light attenuation over a

specified path length.

Transmittance:The fraction of initial light from a light source that is transmitted through

the atmosphere. Light is attenuated by scattering and absorption from gases and particles.

Tribal Implementation Plan (TIP):A collection of regulations used by the Indian tribes

to carry out its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act.

Turbidity:A condition that reduces atmospheric transparency to radiation, especially

light. The degree of cloudiness, or haziness, caused by the presence of aerosols, gases,

and dust.

U
Appendix A Page 36

Uniform haze:Pollutants that are uniformly distributed both horizontally and vertically

from the ground to a height well above the highest terrain.

Unstable air mass:An air mass that is vertically well mixed. See also stable air mass,

temperature inversion.

USEPA:United States Environmental Protection Agency.

V

v_nitrate:VIEWS parameter: Volatile Nitrate (Fine); Description: 12033-49-7; Type

Code: CALC; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

V0:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid value; Source: NARSTO

V1:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid value but comprised wholly or partially of below detection

limit data; Source: NARSTO

V2:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid estimated value; Source: NARSTO

V3:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid interpolated value; Source: NARSTO

V4:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid value despite failing to meet some QC or statistical

criteria; Source: NARSTO

V5:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid value but qualified because of possible contamination;

Source: NARSTO

V6:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid value but qualified due to non-standard sampling

conditions; Source: NARSTO

V7:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid value set equal to the detection limit (DL) since the value

was below the DL; Source: NARSTO

valcode:VIEWS parameter: Sample Validity Code; Description: A code which indicates

whether a sample is considered valid according to NADP/NTN data validation rules. In

the case of a valid sample, the code indicates how the sample is used in calculations of

weighted-mean concentrations, depositions and data completeness estimates. ( = invalid

sample; t = valid trace sample; d = valid dry collection period; w, wa, wd = valid sample

of lab type w, wa, or wd) Only samples with valcodes of w, wa and wd are used by

NADP/NTN in calculating weighted-mean concentrations and depositions.; Type Code:

FLAG

Vc:VIEWS parameter: Vanadium (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-62-2; AQS Code:

83164; Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

Vf:VIEWS parameter: Vanadium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-62-2; AQS Code: 88164;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

VIEW:Visibility Intensive Experiment in the West, a project of the US EPA, with

cooperation of the National Park Service, to measure visibility at many stations

throughout the western United States to document current visibility and examine trends.

Violation of standard:A regulatory situation, (i.e., NAAQS), where the pattern of

"exceedences of standard" is greater than the frequency allowable under that standard.

Virtual impactor:A type of dichotomous sampler which separates large particles from

an air stream by impacting them on the "virtual surface" of a slowly moving column of

air.

Visibility:Refers to the visual quality of the view, or scene, in daylight with respect to

color rendition and contrast definition. The ability to perceive form, color, and texture.

Visibility indexes:Have been formalized for aerosol, optical, and scenic attributes.

Aerosol indexes include mass concentrations, particle concentrations, physical

characteristics, and size distributions. The optical indexes include coefficients for
Appendix A Page 37

scattering, extinction, and absorption. Scenic indexes comprise visual range, contrast,

radiance, color, and just noticeable changes.

Visibility Metric:A statistical summary of a set of visibility data including the median

(or mean) of the cleanest 20% of the samples, the median (or mean) of all samples, and

the median (or mean) or the dirtiest 20% of the samples.

Vista contrast:See Contrast.

VISTAS:Visibility Improvement States and Tribal Association of the Southeast, one of

the five RPOs. Includes the states and tribal areas encompassed by Alabama, Tennessee,

Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and

South Carolina. Affiliated with SASARM.

Visual air quality:Air quality evaluated in terms of pollutant particles and gases that

affect how well one can see through the atmosphere.

Visual image processing:The digitizing, calibration, modeling, and display of the effects

of atmospheric optical parameters on a scene. The process starts with a photograph of

landscape features viewed in clean atmospheric conditions and models the effects of

changes in atmospheric composition.

Visual range:The distance at which a large black object just disappears from view.

Visual reduction:Is the impairment or degradation of atmospheric clarity. Becomes

significant when the color and contrast values of a scene to the horizon are altered or

distorted by airborne impurities.

VM:VIEWS Status Flag: Valid modeled value; Source: VIEWS

VOC:Volatile organic carbons

W

Washout:The process by which particles are removed from air by capture by raindrops.

Wavelength:The distance, measured in the direction of propagation of a wave, between

two successive points in the wave that are characterized by the same phase of oscillation.

Weighted Emissions:Specific to the Weighted Emissions Potential (WEP) analysis on

the TSS. Gridded emissions were weighted by gridded residence times and distance from

a class I area, and normalized.

Weighted Emissions Potential:Specific to the Weighted Emissions Potential (WEP)

analysis on the TSS. Gridded emissions were weighted by gridded residence times and

distance from a class I area, and normalized. The results of this analysis are interpreted as

the potential for sources within specific grid cells to impact visibility at a class I area, and

thus provide a screening tool for planners. The results are not scientifically rigorous as it

contains no method for accounting for chemistry and deposition.

WESTAR:Western States Air Resources Council. Represents the states of Alaska,

California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada,

Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Wet deposition:The deposit of atmospheric gases and particles (incorporated into rain,

snow, fog, or mist) to water or land surfaces.

Wide Format:A report format in which parameter concentrations are displayed as

multiple columns across the page. This results in a wider file.

Wildfire:Any wildland fire that requires a suppression response. A controlled burn may

be declared a wildfire if part of it escapes from the control line or if weather conditions

deteriorate and become unacceptable, as described in the burning plan.
Appendix A Page 38

Windblown Dust:Emissions associated with aeolian re-entrainment affecting the release

of dust and organic carbon from disturbed or undisturbed lands by land use type. These

sources are computed by applying meteorological data by land use type over a spatial

extent (an emissions model grid cell, cross-referenced to a county or air district).

wolf:VIEWS parameter: WOLF; Description: AQS STN Calculated; Type Code: CALC

WRAP:Western Regional Air Partnership, one of five RPOs. Includes the states and

tribal areas encompassed by Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New

Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Affiliated with WESTAR.

WRAP Area Oil and Gas Sources:Non-point land-based emissions sources that are

uniquely associated with the drilling, maintenance, production, and distribution of oil and

gas. These sources are computed as being spread over a spatial extent (the production

basin portion of a county or air district). In a given state, there are also point sources of

emissions that are uniquely associated with the drilling, maintenance, production, and

distribution of oil and gas - each state has a different definition of oil and gas sources that

are counted or regulated as area or point sources.

Yf:VIEWS parameter: Yttrium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-65-5; AQS Code: 84183;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ZNc:VIEWS parameter: Zinc (Coarse); CAS Number: 7440-66-6; AQS Code: 83167;

Type Code: COARSE; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ZNf:VIEWS parameter: Zinc (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-66-6; AQS Code: 88167; Type

Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)

ZRf:VIEWS parameter: Zirconium (Fine); CAS Number: 7440-67-7; AQS Code: 88185;

Type Code: PM2.5; Units: UG/CU Meter (LC)
Appendix A Page 39

Abbreviations and Acronyms

BACT - Best Available Control Technology

BART - Best Available Retrofit Technology

Btu - British thermal unit

CAA - Clean Air Act

CAMx – Comprehensive Air Model with extensions

CERR – Consolidated Emission Reporting Rule

CMAQ – Community Multi-Scale Air Quality Model

dv - Deciview

EC – Elemental Carbon

EDMS – Emissions Data Management System

ENVIRON – Environmental Consulting Firm

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency

FETS – Fire Emission Tracking System

FLM – Federal Land Manager

FR - Federal Register

GCVTC - Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission

HI – Haze Index

IMPROVE – Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments

IOA – International Origin Anthropogenic

IOC – Initiatives Oversight Committee

IWG – Implementation Work Group

kWh - Kilowatt_hour
Appendix A Page 40

LAC – Light Absorbing Carbon

LAER - Lowest Achievable Emission Rate

LEV – Low Emission Vehicle

LTS - Long Term Strategy RPGs - Reasonable Progress Goals

NH3 - Ammonia

NOx - A mixture of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), nitric oxide (NO), and other nitrogen oxide

gases

NSPS - New Source Performance Standards

NTEC – National Tribal Environmental Council

OC – Organic Carbon

PM2.5 – Particulate of 2.5 microns or less

PM10 – Particulate of 10 microns or less

RH – Regional Haze

PSAT – Particulate-matter Source Apportionment Technology

RHR - Regional Haze Rule

RMC – Regional Modeling Center

RPG – Reasonable Progress Goal

RPO - Regional Planning Organization

RRF – Relative Reduction Factor

SCR - Selective Catalytic Reduction

SIP - State Implementation Plan

SOA – State Origin Anthropogenic

SO2 – Sulfur dioxide

TOC – Technical Oversight Committee
Appendix A Page 41

TSS – Technical Support System

TSSA - Tagged Species Source Apportionment

URP – Uniform Rate of Progress

VOC – Volatile Organic Compound

WEP – Weighted Emission Potential

WGA – Western Governors Association

WRAP – Western Regional Air Partnership