How Have Recent Air Quality Trends In The Sequoia National Park Been Impacting Human and Vegetation Health?
Faculty Mentor
One WU mentor: Marsha Bollinger, Ph.D.; bollingerm@winthrop.edu
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Faculty Mentor
Marsha Bollinger, Ph.D.
Abstract
This paper investigates the potential impact of excessive ground level ozone concentrations in Sequoia National Park. The ozone concentrations from two monitoring sites within the park as well as the number of exceedance days per year based on EPA standards, both for about the last decade, are presented. In addition, the ozone exposure index for vegetation and the number of visitors per month over the same time period are examined. The data shows that the ozone levels in the Sequoia National Park consistently exceed the EPA standards set for both human and plant health. However, in recent years, the number of exceedance days has been following a decreasing trend, but still remains above the national standards. The number of visitors annually has increased. Unfortunately, peak visitation, most active plant growth, and highest ozone concentrations all occur within the same few months per year. The paper concludes by examining likely causes of high ozone concentrations in the park and suggests some potential solutions for this challenging problem.
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Course Assignment
ENVS 495 - Bollinger
How Have Recent Air Quality Trends In The Sequoia National Park Been Impacting Human and Vegetation Health?
This paper investigates the potential impact of excessive ground level ozone concentrations in Sequoia National Park. The ozone concentrations from two monitoring sites within the park as well as the number of exceedance days per year based on EPA standards, both for about the last decade, are presented. In addition, the ozone exposure index for vegetation and the number of visitors per month over the same time period are examined. The data shows that the ozone levels in the Sequoia National Park consistently exceed the EPA standards set for both human and plant health. However, in recent years, the number of exceedance days has been following a decreasing trend, but still remains above the national standards. The number of visitors annually has increased. Unfortunately, peak visitation, most active plant growth, and highest ozone concentrations all occur within the same few months per year. The paper concludes by examining likely causes of high ozone concentrations in the park and suggests some potential solutions for this challenging problem.
