Lo,Kuo-Cheng羅國誠
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Interests
My research focuses on atmospheric pollutant dispersion simulation, emission source database analysis, and the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS). My primary interests include:(1)Analyzing the combined effects of tropical cyclones and topography on near-surface ozone concentrations using the WRF-Chem model. Our findings show that near-surface O3 levels increase dramatically before typhoon arrival, significantly influenced by the storm's path. We observed elevated ozone concentrations 24-48 hours before sea warnings are issued, correlating with the weakening of the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) and intensification of the Central Mountain Range's lee-side effect.(2)Investigating high-concentration particulate matter events caused by transboundary air pollution. We found that long-range transport of air pollutants and their precursors, driven by strong continental cold high-pressure systems from northern East Asia, interacts with local weather patterns and topography, leading to poor air quality.
Representative Publications
Lo, K. C., Cheng, W. H., Lin, C., Hung, C. H., Yuan, C. S., & Tseng, Y. L. 2024. Elevated surface ozone concentration caused by subtropical cyclones and topographical effect: Model simulation and field measurement. Urban Climate, 57, 102093.
Shen, H., Yang, T. M., Lu, C. C., Yuan, C. S., Hung, C. H., Lin, C. T., ... & Lo, K. C. 2020. Chemical fingerprint and source apportionment of PM 2.5 in highly polluted events of southern Taiwan. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27, 6918-6935.
Hung, C. H., Lo, K. C., & Yuan, C. S. 2018. Forming highly polluted PMs caused by the invasion of transboundary air pollutants: Model simulation and discussion. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 18(7), 1698-1719.
Research
Elevated surface ozone concentration caused by subtropical cyclones and topographical effect This study pioneered the forecasting of typhoon trajectories and conducted the comprehensive analysis of pre-typhoon surface O3 patterns using WRF-Chem model. The WRF-Chem model was employed to analyze the impact of typhoon tracks on surface O3 concentrations in southern Taiwan. The simulations examined the variation of surface O3 concentrations; while both surface monitoring and sounding data were integrated into the model. The study evaluated the spatiotemporal variation of typhoon tracks, and correlated them with suface O3 concentrations. Elevated surface O3 levels preceding typhoon arrival were significantly influenced by the typhoon tracks. Meanwhile, a surge observed approximately 1–2 days prior to sea warnings was associated with the weakened West Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) and intensified leeward effects.Reference: Lo et al., 2024.
Forming highly polluted PMs caused by the invasion of transboundary air pollutants The long-range transported-in air pollutants, travelling with the movement of a strong continental cold high-pressure system originating in northern China, contributed to the poor ambient air quality. Two important mechanisms for forming this highly concentrated PM were proposed, including the transported-in transboundary air pollutants (or their precursors) from China and the leeward side effects on the western side of the Taiwan Island. Low inversion layers in the atmosphere and terrain downwash near the ground surface were observed in case study while continental cold air approached. The WRF-Chem model simulation results confirmed that the ambient air of western Taiwan was dry and moved downward during the investigated period. Hence, the contribution of transboundary air pollutants to deteriorating ambient air quality cannot be ignored.Reference: Hung et al., 2018.