Atmospheric recirculation on the east coast of Gran Canaria island

Abstract

A preliminary statistical study on the meteorological conditions governing the air quality, in terms of atmospheric recirculation, ventilation, and stagnation, on the east coast of Gran Canaria Island, a generally well-ventilated area, is presented. The study is based on the use of an objective methodology using single-station long-term time series of surface wind velocity. It is shown that, although during long periods, dominant wind conditions lead to substantial renovation of air masses at the study area, there exists a statistically significant probability of extreme events of recirculation which facilitate conditions for air pollutant accumulation, with eventual severe impacts on air quality. The frequency of occurrence of high recirculation factors presents a clear annual pattern reaching its maximum in winter.