The task was larger than simply monitoring aerosol concentrations. The structure and evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer had to be measured and characterized, as did the regional circulation patterns that determine the transport and diffusion of atmospheric contaminants in the region. The evaluation determined that the sun lifts pollutants several miles above the city during the day and mixes them together. Sunlight stimulates photochemical reactions, causing some reactive gases to convert quickly to ozone pollution. Because of the air circulation, some areas that create pollution are not severely polluted, while others that create less pollution have very polluted air.
Some pollutants blow out of the valley altogether.
The data is needed to understand the implications of currently planned emissions reduction strategies, and to help focus future emissions reductions efforts in those areas where they will have the greatest benefit for air quality for the least cost. These researchers are developing an inorganic coating that increases by a factor of ten the longevity of powdered calcite, the basic component of limestone. SNL researchers developed the coating which, curiously, is not intended to be a sealant. The inorganic side is a protective layer of silicon-based polymer. The fundamental research that led to the development of this technology was provided by ER's Office of Basic Energy Sciences and SNL's Laboratory Directed Research and Development funds were used at to develop the preservation technique.