Consecutive Northward Super Typhoons Induced Extreme Ozone Pollution Events in Eastern China

Abstract

Typhoons are one of the most important weather systems that can cause severe ozone (O3) pollution in eastern China. While the effects of individual typhoons on O3 concentrations have been extensively studied, the effects of consecutive northward typhoons and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, partly due to the complex processes involved. Here, Typhoons Maysak and Haishen, two consecutive northward typhoons in 2020, are selected to investigate their impact on the O3 pollution in eastern China. The results show that consecutive northward typhoons not only produced and maintained meteorological conditions conducive to O3 generation (e.g., elevated temperatures and intensified solar radiation), but also facilitated local accumulation and cross-regional transport of O3. These factors jointly led to a 30% increase in O3 concentration in eastern China with a prolonged period of O3 pollution. Our work underscores the significance of complex meteorological conditions in O3 pollution occurrences during extreme weather events, advancing our understanding of how consecutive northward typhoons affect air quality.