A single land use and soil type were assigned to each 1 km 2 grid to determine a single threshold friction velocity for each grid. These assignments were then utilized in the emission algorithm to predict fluxes of emitted dust. Additional diurnal upper air meteorological data from Spokane, WA are also included in the model. The model satisfactorily predicted PM 10 concentrations in the Spokane area. No data were available for the Tri-cities area for this event date.
Wind energy is a primary governing factor in the erosion process.
Accurate values for critical threshold velocities must be defined for field conditions. The concentration of fugitive dust emitted during an erosion event is closely associated to the horizontal concentration of eroding soil. Agricultural soils on the Columbia Plateau contain significant amounts of PM 10 and PM 2.5 . Model refinement to reflect field research is continuing. Sampling microbial aerosols.