Abstract:
The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States hosts a recurring low-level wind maximum, the Piedmont Low-Level Jet (LLJ), analogous to the well-studied Southern Great Plains LLJ. This nocturnal boundary layer phenomenon influences the distribution of pollutants in one of the most populated and economically critical regions, the I-95 corridor between Washington, DC and New York City. While the SGP-LLJ has been extensively studied in terms of its formation mechanisms, morphology, and its role in the dispersion of mass, momentum, and moisture, far less is known of the Piedmont-LLJ. Sparse reports of these LLJs suggest that it is important for understanding regional convection, air quality, and boundary layer evolution, but a comprehensive understanding is needed. This study has built upon those previous sparse reports of the Piedmont-LLJs characteristics and influences to atmospheric composition by analyzing an existing multi-instrument observational dataset of atmospheric state and composition in the I-95 corridor. This analysis has combined the multiple perspectives of surface monitors, profilers, sondes, satellites, and models to characterize the morphology and impacts of the Piedmont-LLJ to further the much-needed comprehensive understanding of frequency, identifying characteristics, and general influence on the boundary-layer.