RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AEROSOL EXTINCTION COEFFICIENTS DERIVED FROM AIRPORT VISUAL RANGE OBSERVATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE MEASURES OF AIRBORNE PARTICLE MASS

This paper analyzes methods for predicting the fine particle (M//f) and inhalable particle (IP) mass concentrations using relative humidity corrected light extinction coefficient (b//e//x//t) estimated from airport visual range (V//r) observations. The analyses presented are based on theoretical determinations as well as statistical investigations utilizing data bases and routine airport visual range observations in twelve large U. S. cities. Results indicate that, after controlling for certain limitations of airport visual range data, most of the regression models developed in this paper can be applied satisfactorily to predict M//f and IP. Furthermore, the findings suggest a more representative formula than the commonly used meteorological range formula to predict atmospheric b//e//x//t values in urban areas.