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Title: A modeling study of aeolian erosion enhanced by surface wind confluences over Mexico City

Author
item DIAZ, EMMANUEL - Autonomous National University Of Mexico
item Tatarko, John
item JAZCILEVICH, ARON - Autonomous National University Of Mexico
item GARCIA, AGUSTIN - Autonomous National University Of Mexico
item CAETANO, ERNESTO - Autonomous National University Of Mexico
item RUIZ-SUAREZ, LUIS - Autonomous National University Of Mexico

Submitted to: Aeolian Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/29/2010
Publication Date: 6/9/2010
Citation: Diaz, E.N., Tatarko, J., Jazcilevich, A.D., Garcia, A.R., Caetano, E., Ruiz-Suarez, L.G. 2010. A modeling study of aeolian erosion enhanced by surface wind confluences over Mexico City. Aeolian Research. 2:143-157. doi:10.1016/j.aeolia.

Interpretive Summary: Using erosion and air quality models, a study of the effect of wind eroded soil on fine dust production and movement in Mexico City was conducted. The importance of wind erosion from the dry Lake of Texcoco and agricultural lands to the East and South-East of Mexico City on urban air quality, its genesis, morphology, and regional implications was established. The erosion and air quality models described provide a useful computational tool to study the wind erosion phenomenon, its sources, and impact on urban regions.

Technical Abstract: Using erosion and air quality models, a study on the effect of PM10 episodes in Mexico City is presented. The important contribution of Aeolian erosion on urban air quality, its genesis, morphology, location and regional implications such as the role played by surface confluences, the dry Lake of Texcoco and agricultural lands to the East and South-East of Mexico City is established. All analyzed episodes showed that wind erosion is a major cause of high PM10 concentrations in Mexico City.