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Research Article
Time Integrated Radiative Forcing from North American NOX Emissions: Climate Effect over 20- and 100-year Time Scales
Richard Damoah*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-12
Received:
21 February 2026
Accepted:
18 March 2026
Published:
30 March 2026
Abstract: The distribution of tropospheric ozone (O3) globally depends on the emission of precursors (e.g., NOx), chemistry, and transport. In this study, we quantify the response of radiative forcing over 20- and 100-year time scales, to O3 and methane (CH4) perturbations caused by a marginal increase (0.1 Tg N) in anthropogenic emissions of NOx in January and July from 21 (10° × 10° grid) geographical locations in North America. Changes in the perturbations have been calculated with the global climate-chemistry transport model STOCHEM. Addition of NOx emissions led to an initial increase in global O3 burdens up to 0.9 Tg, which decayed after 4 months. Global CH4 burdens decreased (by increasing OH) by up to –0.7 Tg and decayed gradually after 6 months. Global radiative forcings resulting from the regional emission increases were calculated, accounting for changes in both O3 (using an offline radiation code) and CH4 (using a simple conversion of 0.37 mW m⁻² ppb⁻1, assuming that CH4 is well mixed in the atmosphere). Our results revealed that O3-induced time-integrated radiative forcings exhibit both positive (initial) and negative (long-term) phases in the two (20- and 100-year) time horizons. For the positive phase, both the 20- and 100-year time periods peaked at 0.454 mW m⁻² yr; however, for the negative phase, the 20-year peaked at –0.246 mW m⁻² yr and the 100-year peaked at –0.300 mW m⁻² yr. CH4, on the other hand, showed a single negative phase which peaked at –1.070 mW m⁻² yr for the 20-year time period and –1.302 mW m⁻² yr for the 100-year time period. The total net radiative forcings (assuming a linear additive for relatively small perturbations) of the CH4 term and the two O3 terms over a 100-year time period from all 21 locations produce a net climate cooling effect (negative forcings), irrespective of the season of the emission pulses. However, over a 20-year time period in winter, some emission pulses at low latitudes produce a net climate warming effect (positive forcings). Both the O3 and CH4 burdens and the associated radiative forcings depend strongly on the geographical location as well as the season of the emission pulses. They are most sensitive to emissions from low latitudes and least sensitive to emissions from mid-latitudes and high latitudes.
Abstract: The distribution of tropospheric ozone (O3) globally depends on the emission of precursors (e.g., NOx), chemistry, and transport. In this study, we quantify the response of radiative forcing over 20- and 100-year time scales, to O3 and methane (CH4) perturbations caused by a marginal increase (0.1 Tg N) in anthropogenic emissions of NOx in January ...
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Review Article
Photochemical Dynamics of Surface Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Implications for Air Pollution, Health and Climate
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
13-24
Received:
26 February 2026
Accepted:
19 March 2026
Published:
7 April 2026
Abstract: Atmospheric trace gases such as ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, collectively termed NOx) play a central role in tropospheric photochemistry and strongly influence air quality, climate forcing, and ecosystem health. This manuscript explores the current understanding of the sources, chemical transformation pathways, and environmental impacts of these trace gases by integrating from observational studies and atmospheric modeling research. The literature was compiled through a structured review of peer-reviewed research published in science journals, with emphasis on recent advances in photochemical mechanisms, boundary layer dynamics and regional air pollution processes. Particular attention is given to nonlinear O3 formation regimes, radical chemistry involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the interactions between trace gases and climate processes. This manuscript highlights how the balance between NOx and VOC emissions determines O3 production efficiency in different atmospheric environments, ranging from NOx limited rural regions to VOC limited urban areas. Regional perspectives from South Asia illustrate how rapid urbanization, biomass burning, and meteorological variability influence trace gas distributions. The analysis identifies major knowledge gaps related to radical chemistry uncertainties, climate–chemistry feedback mechanisms, and the integration of observational networks with chemical transport models. Improved monitoring strategies and advanced modeling approaches are essential for developing effective air quality management policies and understanding the evolving role of trace gases in the Earth’s climate system.
Abstract: Atmospheric trace gases such as ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, collectively termed NOx) play a central role in tropospheric photochemistry and strongly influence air quality, climate forcing, and ecosystem health. This manuscript explores the current understanding of the sources, chemical transformation pathways,...
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Research Article
Study of the Seasonal Effect of Atmospheric Parameters on Solar Photovoltaic Production in Burkina Faso, West Africa
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
25-37
Received:
13 April 2026
Accepted:
27 April 2026
Published:
15 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaos.20261001.13
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Abstract: The work presented is an analysis of solar photovoltaic production, the objective of which is to study the effect of seasonal atmospheric parameters on the production of solar photovoltaic power plants in Burkina Faso. It is a study based on in situ measurements and observation data from the MODIS sensor aboard the Terra satellite. Thus, an analysis of aerosol variability at the national scale shows that aerosol levels peak during the winter months of February, the spring months of March, April, and May, and the summer month of June. This distribution of aerosols is consistent with the dynamics of the Harmattan wind and convective systems, which explain the nature of aerosols dominated by coarse particles associated with desert dust. Furthermore, this seasonality of aerosols is confirmed by the annual cycles of AOD and Angstrom coefficient observed at the study sites where the power plants are located. In addition, a combined qualitative analysis of the AOD cycle and available solar potential shows the direct effect of aerosols on the radiation required for solar photovoltaic conversion. This effect of aerosols on solar power plant output is corroborated by a negative correlation that demonstrates their significant ability to influence the efficiency of solar power plant output. Furthermore, the study of the seasonal effect of climatic parameters indicates, through annual cycles and correlation coefficients, the negative impact of temperature and relative humidity on the output of solar photovoltaic systems. This is contrary to the effect of sunlight, although it depends on the weather, location, and environmental factors. The same applies to wind speed, which is favorable to the production cycle of power plants, although it is the main vector for the emission of mineral dust that settles on the surface of the modules. In short, atmospheric parameters generally have a negative impact on photovoltaic power plant production in a Sahelian-type climate strongly influenced by desert dust.
Abstract: The work presented is an analysis of solar photovoltaic production, the objective of which is to study the effect of seasonal atmospheric parameters on the production of solar photovoltaic power plants in Burkina Faso. It is a study based on in situ measurements and observation data from the MODIS sensor aboard the Terra satellite. Thus, an analysi...
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