Using a radiative transfer model in conjunction with UV-MFRSR irradiance data for studying aerosols in El Paso-Juarez airshed

Most air quality studies have focused on sites located in either rural or urban areas. However, many regions are affected by air from both, such as the city of El Paso. Adjacent to the neighboring city of Juarez, Mexico, and in close proximity to rural areas, El Paso is affected by desert particles, as well as biogenic and anthropogenic emissions. Determination of aerosol optical properties is vital for a better understanding of the aerosols present in an urban-rural interface region, e.g. the El Paso-Juarez Airshed [Pearson, et al., 2007]. Using wavelengths in the ultraviolet range, and studying the sensitivity of different optical parameters, we present irradiance results obtained using the TUV model [Madronich et al., 1998], and compare them against experimental irradiance results obtained using a UV Multi-Filter Rotating Shadow-Band. Radiometer (MFRSR), operating in the city of El Paso. Retrievals for Aerosol Single Scattering Albedo (&ohgr;aer) using Direct to Diffuse Irradiance Ratios are also performed in this work. Our MFRSR instrument has been linked to a Monitoring UV-B Research Program, the Colorado State University network of MFRSR instruments installed at different cities throughout the country. The objective of this and future work is to use the TUV Model for the El Paso-Juarez Airshed as a diagnostic model to interpret the data obtained from the UV-MFRSR instrument located in the same region. This work will lead to better characterization of aerosols and their impact in a rural-urban interface region. In addition, it can provide a more accurate assessment of regional aerosol transport and better boundary conditions for air quality models