Modelling NO concentrations using MM5-CMAQ 2 modelling system

Air quality simulation models are important tools for setting regulatory policy. A combination of Meso-scale Model MM5 and Community Multi-scale 3-D Air Quality model system was applied to the studied domain which included Bangalore city and surrounding regions, where NO concentra- 2 tions were predicted. Emissions estimated for different sectors and meteorological data from National Center for Environmental Prediction served as inputs to the models. Modelled results of baseline simulation for the year 2005 show good fit with the actual observed NO concentrations monitored 2 at 3 locations in Bangalore. Emissions were projected for the future years and NO concentrations in 2 the city were simulated under different scenarios. The paper discusses the model performance in predicting NO concentrations in an urban location, which could be useful in evaluating strategies 2 for air quality improvement.