Blog » Keeping Outdoor Air Pollution Out of Our Homes and Businesses On The Spot’s Air Quality Blog Series
In the wake of Canadian wildfires swathing upstate New York in a haze of smoke, maintaining good indoor air quality has never weighed heavier on our minds. While On The Spot Cleaners is primarily focused on improving indoor quality, now is as good a time as ever to discuss how to prevent outdoor air pollution from infiltrating our homes and businesses. What a strange couple of days that was - recess was held indoors, businesses requested minimal traffic in and out of buildings, and windows were kept shut on otherwise temperate days. It was alarming and unsettling, to say the least.The wildfire smoke tipped the scale of the air quality index, the likes of which many of us have never experienced. Now that the smoke has cleared, let’s talk about
some of the other factors contributing to poor outdoor air quality and close out our On The Spot Air Quality Blog Series by exploring effective strategies to keep outdoor air pollution out and maintain a fresh and breathable indoor atmosphere.
The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution
Indoor and outdoor air pollution have distinct characteristics and sources.
Outdoor air pollution primarily stems from external sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and natural factors like pollen and dust, and as we recently learned wildfire smoke. These pollutants can travel over long distances and affect entire populations.
Indoor air pollution originates primarily from internal sources, including building materials, cooking activities, and inadequate ventilation, but outdoor pollutants can also make their way inside, effectively becoming indoor pollutants. Indoor pollutants tend to accumulate and can reach higher concentrations within enclosed spaces. While outdoor air pollution is influenced by factors beyond our control, indoor air pollution can be managed through effective ventilation, regular cleaning, and the use of air purifiers. Both types of pollution have significant impacts on our respiratory health, and taking measures to reduce exposure to both indoor and outdoor pollutants is essential for promoting a healthy living environment.
Both indoor and outdoor air quality can be measured using similar parameters such as particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and humidity levels. However, the sources and concentrations of pollutants may vary. Outdoor air quality measurements often focus on pollutants emitted from vehicular exhaust, industrial processes, and natural sources. In contrast, indoor air quality measurements consider pollutants from building materials, cleaning products, and human activities. Additionally, indoor air quality testing can involve specific assessments for mold, radon, and carbon monoxide, which are less relevant in outdoor air measurements. Ultimately, while the basic principles of air quality measurement apply to both indoor and outdoor environments, the specific pollutants and sources require tailored approaches for accurate assessment.
The Impact of Outdoor Air Pollution In Our Homes
Outdoor air pollution can have severe health implications, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can enter our living and working spaces via open windows and doors, poor ventilation, and human activity, leading to respiratory discomfort, allergies, and other health issues. It's essential to take proactive measures to minimize the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants.
Create a Protective Barrier
Sealing our homes and businesses from outdoor pollutants forms the first line of defense against poor indoor air quality. Inspect doors, windows, and other potential entry points for any
gaps or leaks. Properly sealing these areas with weatherstripping and caulking can significantly reduce the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants.
Utilize High-Quality Air Filtration
Investing in high-quality air purifiers and HVAC filters can significantly improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters are particularly effective in capturing and removing fine particles, allergens, and other airborne contaminants. Additionally, upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC filters can enhance the filtration of outdoor pollutants, preventing their entry into our indoor spaces. Regularly maintaining and replacing these filters is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
Monitor and Respond to Outdoor Air Quality
Staying informed about the air quality in our local area is essential in safeguarding our indoor environments. Monitor local air quality reports and pay attention to pollution alerts or advisories. When outdoor air quality is poor, limit outdoor activities, and keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollutants from entering. On days when air quality improves, take advantage of the opportunity to ventilate indoor spaces by opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate.
Implement Effective Ventilation Strategies
Maintaining proper ventilation is key to promoting good indoor air quality while keeping outdoor pollutants at bay. Ensure that exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms are in good working condition to effectively remove indoor pollutants. Consider installing energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to provide fresh air while simultaneously recovering heat or coolness. Balancing ventilation with energy efficiency is crucial in creating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
Routine Professional Cleaning
As outdoor pollutants enter homes and businesses, they settle into upholstery, carpeting, and air ducts. Professional carpet and air duct cleaning can lessen the prevalence of outdoor pollutants in your home and improve indoor air quality.
At On The Spot Cleaners, we understand the importance of keeping outdoor air pollution out of our homes and businesses. Randy Spurling and his team of experts are dedicated to providing comprehensive cleaning services that improve indoor air quality. From professional air duct and carpet cleaning to mold remediation, we have the knowledge, expertise, and specialized equipment to ensure a fresh and breathable indoor atmosphere.
By taking proactive measures to keep outdoor air pollution at bay, we can enjoy cleaner, healthier spaces for ourselves, our families, and our employees. Let's work together to create environments that promote well-being and enhance our quality of life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How often should I replace the filters in my air purifier and HVAC system?
It is recommended to replace the filters in your air purifier and HVAC system according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, filters should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, but it may vary based on usage and the level of pollutants in your area.
Can air purifiers completely eliminate outdoor air pollution indoors?
While air purifiers can effectively remove many airborne pollutants, they cannot completely eliminate all particulates or pollutants in a room. Air purifiers with a HEPA filter, higher clean air delivery rate (CADR), and used in the recommended square footage are the most effective.
Is it necessary to keep windows closed at all times to prevent outdoor air pollution? It is not necessary to keep windows closed at all times. However, during periods of poor outdoor air quality, it is recommended to keep windows and doors closed to minimize the infiltration of pollutants. Opening windows when outdoor air quality is good can help with natural ventilation and air exchange.
How can On The Spot Cleaners help improve indoor air quality?
On The Spot Cleaners specializes in professional cleaning services that contribute to better indoor air quality. From air duct cleaning to carpet cleaning and mold remediation, their team of experts uses advanced techniques and specialized equipment to remove pollutants and improve the overall air quality in your space.


PORTLAND, Maine — After a deluge of rain, flooding, sinkholes and tornadoes this week, New England is about to face Hurricane Lee.
As the Category 1 system impacted Bermuda, Maine was under its first hurricane watch in 15 years and a state of emergency declared Thursday, Sept. 14, by Gov. Janet Mills. The water-logged region prepared for 20-foot waves offshore and wind gusts up to 80 mph, along with more rain.
The hurricane watch applied to eastern Maine, while the rest of the state and an area extending south through Massachusetts was under a tropical storm warning. Powerful winds and coastal flooding were expected to arrive Friday afternoon in southern New England and spread north.
Although Lee did not contribute to the flooding that hit New England earlier in the week, it threatened to exacerbate conditions in a region that is already waterlogged.
The Coast Guard and emergency management agencies warned New England residents to be prepared, and utility companies brought in reinforcements to deal with any power outages. At Boothbay Harbor Marina in Maine, the community came together to remove boats from the water to keep them out of harm’s way.
“It’s a batten-down-the-hatches kind of day,” owner Kim Gillies said Thursday.
Similar scenes played out elsewhere, including at Kennebunkport Marina, where crews planned to take 100 boats out of the water, said Cathy Norton, marina manager.
Commercial lobster fisherman Steve Train said fishermen have been sinking gear in deeper water to protect against storm damage. Fishing boats were also headed to the safety of harbors.
In Canada, residents of western Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick were warned about the risk of power outages and flooding this weekend. A year ago, the remnants of Hurricane Fiona washed houses into the ocean, knocked out power to most of two provinces and swept a woman into the sea.
New Brunswick Minister of Public Safety Kris Austin urged residents to assemble a 72-hour safety kit that included batteries, water, food, medication and a radio.
In her emergency declaration, the Maine governor urged people to take the storm seriously and to make preparations. Mills, a Democrat, also asked President Joe Biden to issue a preemptive presidential disaster declaration to give the state access to federal resources.
Earlier in the week, the region saw 10 inches of rain over six hours. Tornado warnings were issued Wednesday in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and more heavy rain created sinkholes and brought devastating flooding to several areas.
The National Weather Service in Boston confirmed Thursday that damage to trees and power lines in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut the day before was caused by four tornadoes.
Dozens of trees snapped or were uprooted by a twister in the town of Glocester, Rhode Island, and a structure used as a bus shelter was blown away, the weather service said. The three tornadoes in Connecticut and Rhode Island were categorized as EF-1, while the one in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was an EF-0.
Thursday night, Lee was spinning 185 miles west of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was traveling north on a path that could lead to landfall in Nova Scotia, possibly as a tropical storm, forecasters said.
The system could bring a mix of threats. The storm surge and waves could lash the coast, damaging structures and causing erosion; powerful wind gusts could knock down trees weakened by a wet summer; and rain could cause flash flooding in a region where the soil is already saturated, said Louise Fode, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Maine.
The state’s eastern coast — known as the Down East region — and the coast of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were expected to bear the brunt of the storm, though the track could shift before the system arrives, Fode said.
One thing working in the region’s favor: The storm surge will not be accompanied by an astronomical high tide, helping to lower the risk, she said.
New England has experienced its share of flooding this summer, including a storm that dumped up to two months of rain in two days in Vermont in July, resulting in two deaths. Scientists are finding that storms around the world are forming in a warmer atmosphere, making extreme rainfall more frequent.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued a state of emergency Tuesday following “catastrophic flash flooding and property damage” in two counties and other communities. The torrential downpour in a six-hour period was a “200-year event,” said Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston.
The rain created sinkholes in Leominster, Massachusetts, including one at a car dealership that swallowed several vehicles. In Providence, Rhode Island, firefighters used inflatable boats to rescue more than two dozen people stranded in cars in a flooded parking lot.
In Maine, the last time a hurricane watch was declared was in 2008, for Hurricane Kyle, but residents are accustomed to rough weather. Lee’s projected wind, rain and surf are akin to a powerful Nor’easter, and Mainers are familiar with those.
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Tropical Storm Idalia shaped Sunday morning and its path shifted with Central Florida within the cone of uncertainty forward of it doubtless changing into a hurricane. This provides an replace you on the system’s standing, when it’ll doubtless be felt in Orlando, Walt Disney World’s insurance policies, what to do, and extra.
The important thing factor to know is that it’s at the moment enterprise as normal at Walt Disney World. The corporate has not introduced any closures, cancellations, or operational impacts in anyway as a consequence of Tropical Storm Idalia. Should you’re merely frightened about what might be closing or altering on the resorts, water parks, eating places, and so forth., the reply is nothing. Thus far.
With that stated, Disney at all times screens the climate and can prioritize visitor and Solid Member security above all else. It’s untimely for any bulletins about Walt Disney World operations. We’d count on that to occur on Monday afternoon or night, and provided that it turns into clear that Tropical Storm Idalia will pose an precise menace–past simply moist climate and wind–to Walt Disney World.
Now let’s flip to the present forecast. Tropical Despair 10 strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia earlier in the present day (August 27, 2023) and is at the moment close to the Yucatan Peninsula. The system is anticipated to additional intensify and grow to be a hurricane within the coming days; forecasts recommend it might make landfall in Florida by mid-week.
As of the most recent replace from the Nationwide Hurricane Heart, the system had most sustained winds of 40 mph and was shifting north at 2 mph. Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to grow to be a hurricane over the japanese Gulf of Mexico, and there may be an rising danger of life-threatening storm surge, flooding from heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds alongside parts of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle starting as early as Tuesday.
Though it’s too quickly to specify the precise location and magnitude of those impacts, residents in these areas ought to monitor updates to the forecast, have their hurricane plan in place, and comply with any recommendation given by native officers. Storm surge and hurricane watches could also be required for parts of the Gulf coast of Florida later in the present day.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated and should produce areas of flash and concrete flooding and landslides. Scattered flooding from heavy rainfall is probably going over in parts of the southeast U.S. by mid to late week. The present forecast tasks 3 to six inches of rain from Tropical Storm Idalia from Tuesday into Wednesday in parts of the west coast of Florida and the Panhandle. Some areas might see as many as 10 inches of rainfall.
The Nationwide Climate Service in Melbourne is forecasting that Central Florida will really feel Tropical Storm Idalia’s impacts on Tuesday and into Wednesday. The system will doubtless make landfall on Wednesday morning on the west coast of Florida as a hurricane. For the Orlando space, that’ll doubtless imply heavy rain and tropical storm drive wind gusts of 35 to 45 miles per hour. There’s additionally the potential of tornadoes forming in Central Florida because the system strikes throughout the state.
Tropical Storm Idalia is anticipated to strengthen in to a class one hurricane with most sustained winds of 90 mph at landfall close to North Florida. There’s additionally a “notable danger of speedy intensification” because the storm strikes via the extraordinarily heat waters within the Gulf of Mexico, the NHC warned. Fast intensification happens when the utmost sustained winds of a storm enhance by 35 mph or extra in a 24-hour interval.
To that time, the Nationwide Hurricane Heart stresses that there’s nonetheless “vital uncertainty” with Tropical Storm Idalia. Individuals in Florida shouldn’t deal with the small print of the observe, as small deviations might dramatically change the scope and scale of the storm’s influence in Central Florida. Furthermore, the NHC signifies that sturdy winds, heavy rains, and harmful storm surges will prolong properly away from the middle of Tropical Storm Idalia.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is scheduled to carry a press convention on Sunday afternoon from the State Emergency Operations Heart in Tallahassee. Forward of that, the governor declared a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties, noting the Gulf Coast remains to be recovering after being devastated by Hurricane Ian final yr.
“I signed an Govt Order issuing a state of emergency out of an abundance of warning to make sure that the Florida Division of Emergency Administration can start staging sources and Floridians have loads of time to organize their households for a storm subsequent week,” DeSantis stated in an announcement. “I encourage Floridians to have a plan in place and be sure that their hurricane provide package is stocked.”
The manager order covers the next counties: Alachua, Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla.
Throughout his press convention, DeSantis is more likely to additional elaborate on actions the state is taking, similar to mobilizing the Nationwide Guard. He’s additionally more likely to reiterate the significance of being vigilant, sources for reporting scams and worth gouging, and heeding the warnings of native officers, as storm monitoring is at all times fluid.
These are all issues he talked about throughout storm season briefings final yr, whereas additionally urging Floridians to have seven days value of provides and to remain tuned to native media for the most recent forecast updates, however not “panic purchase.” He additionally warned of energy losses, however stated there tens of 1000’s of employee standing by on the main utility corporations, getting ready to revive energy within the days after the storms go.
As at all times, we’re not trying to be alarmists. Anybody who has skilled storm season in Florida is aware of these forecasts can–and normally do–change. Up to now few years, hurricanes initially forecast to overlook Florida solely have swerved in the direction of the state and others with a excessive chance of wreaking havoc have weakened on the final minute.
We’ve got witnessed this ourselves with Hurricanes Irma, Dorian, and Isaias. We will now say the identical about our firsthand expertise with Hurricane Hilary in California. (Oddly sufficient, that necessitated far more storm prep for us than we ever did whereas dwelling in Florida!) Hopefully, Tropical Storm Idalia is like these somewhat than Hurricane Ian, and can drift west and have minimal influence on Central Florida consequently.
However, it’s at all times higher to err on the aspect of warning and be ready somewhat than not taking a significant storm system critically. No matter how fashions change within the subsequent couple of days, Tropical Storm Idalia will deliver heavier than regular precipitation and wind to Central Florida, which means that–at finest–it’s going to a fair rainier week at Walt Disney World.
You’ll positively wish to keep watch over this method in case you’re at the moment planning to be within the parks this coming week. At minimal, come ready for heavy rain, as Walt Disney World is now within the coronary heart of tropical storm season!
Except for the aforementioned moist and windy climate, the operational influence on Walt Disney World remains to be unknown. Once more, Walt Disney World has not issued any closures, warnings, or operational updates. In a traditional yr, when a storm is approaching Florida, DisneyWorld.com may have a web site banner that signifies how the parks & resorts will or is not going to be impacted, and whether or not the parks are working usually or not.
Under is an instance of what that appears like, from Hurricane Dorian:
Our guess/hope is that Tropical Storm Idalia gained’t necessitate a closure of the Walt Disney World theme parks. It’s approaching the west coast, somewhat than the east coast, of Florida; though it’s intensifying, it doesn’t have the identical forecast power as different storms from the previous few years.
That most likely means it’ll be largely a matter of heavy rain and wind at Walt Disney World. However, and this most likely goes with out saying, it’s best to get extreme climate preparedness recommendation from sources aside from a fan weblog about Disney. Because it considerations our precise space of experience, we wouldn’t be stunned to see a relocation of friends from Fort Wilderness. (That’s normally the very very first thing to occur.) However we wouldn’t be stunned if that’s the extent of the Tropical Storm Idalia operational influence.
Since Walt Disney World has not but issued any updates, its regular hurricane coverage is in place. That takes impact when a hurricane warning is issued by the Nationwide Hurricane Heart for the Orlando space or for the visitor’s place of residence inside 7 days earlier than the scheduled arrival date of the storm. Though that has not occurred but, it’s extremely frequent for Walt Disney World to accommodate friends and permit cancellations or adjustments with out penalty even within the present circumstances.
That is on the discretion of cellphone consultant with whom you communicate, and outcomes can differ given the circumstances. As at all times, be type to Solid Members, reserving brokers, journey brokers, or anybody whose help you want. Keep in mind, they don’t management the climate. (Which looks like a foolish factor to sort, however you’d be stunned how many individuals appear to suppose that.) If the idea of kindness for its personal sake is an excessive amount of to know, simply keep in mind that (selfishly!) you’ll be able to catch extra flies with honey than with vinegar.
We’ll hold you posted with updates from the Nationwide Hurricane Heart and operational updates from Walt Disney World each time one is launched. Should you’re planning a go to, you may as well seek the advice of our Ideas for Hurricane & Storm Season at Walt Disney World for generalized recommendation on packing, avoiding the worst of the moist climate, and even driving out a hurricane. We hope and doubt it’ll come to that with Tropical Storm Idalia!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study accommodations on our Walt Disney World Inns Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you might want to know!
Are you involved that Tropical Storm Idalia will influence Walt Disney World? Are you at the moment in Central Florida? Have you ever visited throughout previous tropical storms or hurricanes? Any additional information, ideas, or first-hand experiences to share about driving out a hurricane at Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!


A hurricane is coming, so what? People along the Southeastern Atlantic coast are so used to being bombarded with this extreme storm….nothing special, get on with your day. At some point you should wonder, if there’s an entire season named for it, are we normalizing the event to the point that we are ignoring the dangers?
This is especially worrisome as hurricanes are a problem not just for full-time residents but even more so for part-time residents. Many communities along the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida have their own migration phenomenon, known as “snowbirds.” These are people who live in these communities for only part of the year to get away from the cold and snowy winter months back home. Once the seasons change and the snow melts they return to their home, generally in more northern climates.
Many of these residents have never been exposed to the stress and preparation necessary for storm season and they may not understand the danger it represents. Further, the storm season officially starts June 1 and continues through November 30th. The peak of this season is mid-August to late October. Unfortunately, those dates coincide with the mass exodus of all the snowbirds. This exacerbates the dangers of storm season. Later we will discuss steps we can take to mitigate those dangers, but first, what makes a storm a hurricane?
What Makes a Storm a Hurricane?
You may have heard the term typhoon, or cyclone, and wondered how these are different from hurricanes. In truth they are the same thing, but different places in the world refer to them by different names. Storms originating in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific are called hurricanes, while in the North Pacific they are known as typhoons, and those originating in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific are referred to as cyclones, confusing! But remember, these terms mean the same thing.
The scientific name for the entire collection of storms is tropical cyclones. Interestingly, tropical cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.
How Hurricanes Form?
Hurricanes only form in tropical areas because they require specific conditions. The ocean must be 80 degrees fahrenheit for the first 165 feet of its surface or more. The other ingredient needed is wind. The Atlantic hurricanes make use of the westward wind blowing from Africa to the Americas along the equator.
The warm moist air rises leaving an area of low pressure. The low pressure zone becomes an opening for other air to move into its place causing wind. The air that comes into that spot becomes warm and moist from the ocean and rises again. This continues as the surrounding air swirls into the same spot creating a spiral pattern and forming the eye of the storm.
But hurricanes don’t start off as hurricanes, instead they build over time and progress through a universally accepted classification system. Before storms reach the level of a hurricane they are referred to as tropical depressions and tropical storms.
- Tropical depressions are storms with sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
- Tropical storms are storms with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
- Hurricanes are storms with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.
Further, once a storm becomes a hurricane it can be broken into several major parts that are commonly used by meteorologists and news teams covering storms.
Parts of a Hurricane
Eye – The eye is a breath of calm in the middle of a disaster zone. In this space it is hard to believe you are in a hurricane. You can clearly see the sky above be it blue or a starry night
Eyewall – This is where the maximum wind speed will be circling you. If the eye of the storm passes over you, you will be hit by those maximum winds twice. Part of the reason this is so devastating is because the shape of a hurricane is a spiral. The wind that was coming in one direction changes to the other direction after the eye passes overhead.
Hurricanes force winds – While the category of a hurricane is determined by the fastest sustained winds located in the eyewall, the whole storm is not that speed. The winds slow down the further out from the eye they are located. The category of the winds could drop down just a couple miles out from the eye.
Tropical storm force winds – a large portion of the hurricane contains tropical storm force winds. This means that the wind speed is below 73 mph.
Outer bands – These clouds spiral out from the center of a hurricane. Not all hurricanes are symmetrical and some have more bands on one side than the other. The outer bands have the most potential for floods to happen and tornadoes to form.
Hurricanes themselves are broken down further to determine how severe the storm will be. The most commonly used model is the Soffir Simpson Hurricane wind scale which breaks hurricanes in categories.
- Category 1 – 74-95 mph
- Category 2 – 96-110 mph
- Category 3 – 111-129 mph
- Category 4 – 130- 156 mph
- Category 5 – 157 mph or greater
What do these numbers mean to you?
Category 1 storms cause minimal damage. There could be some problems with roofing shingles, vinyl siding, or gutters. Tree branches could snap, or small trees be uprooted. These might do some damage to power lines resulting in power outages.
Category 2 storms will likely cause moderate damage. This could mean more damage to roofs and siding and possibly breaking windows. Many smaller trees are likely to snap and block roads. Power loss is expected with outages lasting from days to weeks. Category 3 storms are likely to cause extensive damage. They can break windows and doors and possibly remove roof decking. Numerous trees will break apart and become uprooted, blocking many roads. There is a high likelihood of water and power outages for days to weeks.
Category 4 storms will cause extreme damage. They have the ability to tear roofs off and cause extensive damage to house structures. Most trees will snap and power poles are also likely to be downed. Power outages can last for weeks to months and the area might be uninhabitable.
Category 5 storms cause catastrophic damage. They can level houses and flatten buildings. There will likely be total destruction of anything standing. The area will be uninhabitable for weeks to months.
Many hurricanes, regardless of category, will cause damage to boats and docks along the coast, especially depending on the timing of the storm surge and the high tide.
Storms with winds 39 mph or greater receive names. This was started to differentiate multiple storms occurring at the same time. In the Atlantic the names come from an alphabetical list that rotates every 6 years. A name is retired if a storm was severe enough that it will be inappropriate to name another storm after it.
It is important to remember that before the storm there are some easy steps you can take to mitigate damage like storing your patio furniture and using hurricane glass or shutters for your windows. Left alone, outdoor pottery vases and patio furniture can be picked up by the wind and smashed into neighboring houses, or worse, hit a person. With the potential problem of loose patio furniture becoming projectiles, you can see how dangerous an unprepared house can be.
After a storm has passed, make sure to check for problems with your shingles, cracks in windows, and places where leaks and water damage may occur. You can get service professionals to do this for you if you do not know how. If you’re away during a storm, many home watch companies will come over to be your eyes and ears on the ground. They will be sure to keep you informed about next steps. It is important to act quickly! The longer you wait the worse it will get.
How else can hurricanes cause damage?
Strong winds are not the only threat from hurricanes. In fact, water damage is one of the most destructive aspects of these storms. Water damage can come in several forms during hurricanes.
First of all, these storms are essentially a giant storm cloud….and storm clouds mean rain. Hurricanes have the potential to stay over a specific area for days, though many keep moving and spread rainfall over large areas. The longer it stays in one place the more rain will fall in that area, making the edges of a hurricane as damaging as the eye.
Rain can generate problems for your house from above through any damage to roofs and windows caused by the winds. It is important that your service professional inspect your roof immediately after a storm. You can put gutter guards on your gutters to keep debris out and allow rain an easy way to drain off your roof. If water gets into your house it can cause major damage.
Second, these torrential rainfalls also cause major problems from flooding. Major flooding includes flash floods which are common to hurricanes. Flood water also carries sediments from land it’s covered and waste from the sewers rising through grates which leads to the most hazardous form of water damage, black water damage.
Any flood water that has entered homes will cause water damage and leave anything not damaged covered in undesirable sludge. Consider where in your home your HVAC system is located and what appliances you should keep operational during storm season if you’re not going to be home. Despite keeping your HVAC system out of flood waters, it won’t remain operational when the electricity is typically out after a storm passes. This means there will be water and moisture everywhere creating a breeding ground for mold.
Once the storm has passed you need to make sure that you have the appropriate equipment on hand. Mitigating further damage from these conditions will be vital. If you know you will not be around, make sure to have a home watch company that provides storm season services on retainer.
Water is not only coming from rain falling and flooding of the rivers, creeks, and tidal marshes. There is also water coming inland from the ocean. Although tides come in every day, hurricanes add to the height of the tide. The storm surge is a rise in the water above what the normal tides bring in. The combination of the two is called the storm tide.
The rise of water creating the storm surge is mainly due to water being driven ashore by wind. The height of the storm surge is dependent on several factors and can change based on the direction of the hurricane and where it hits shore.
The storm surge is a body of water that moves onto the shore. It allows waves previously confined to the ocean a place to land. The continued pounding of the waves helps hurricanes to knock down buildings that weren’t prepared for the assault.
The storm surge is the most dangerous part of any hurricane. The devastation from a storm surge can be seen in hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina that hit the US in 2005. The storm surge was 25-28 feet. At least 1200 people died as the result of the storm, many due to the storm surge.
It’s important to educate yourself on hurricanes, storm seasons, and the potential dangers they can cause. Preparing your home is essential and having someone you trust to care for your home while you are away can be invaluable.
The House Butler strives to educate and alleviate the stress of this critical time for people owning homes on Hilton Head Island. It is important to know the risks your home could face during storm season.
If you are not residing in your home during storm season it is important to have somebody knowledgeable watching over your home. The House Butler will perform checks while you are away and have your home ready for storm season. This could save you lots of problems later on.
When you’re thousands of miles away and a storm has come through, the worst feeling in the world is not knowing if your home is okay. Is someone looking after your interests? It could possibly be one of the most important decisions you make! Call The House Butler at (843) 384-9750 and protect your beautiful Hilton Head home today.


Project management plan
(WP1) Creation of a specific database in an appropriate format for the purposes of the project and application of statistical analysis of the wind speed distribution in height including the use of the two-parameter Weibull distribution. Derivation of a “sample” profile for extreme winds deduction.
- Uniform treatment of the sodar raw data
- Import the new data from reprocessing in a format suitable for working in the MatLab environment and create a database of acoustic sounding of the coastal ABL suitable for future project actions.
- Preparation of statistical analysis for wind velocity distribution (histogram production) and applying of 2-parameter Weibull distribution at each height of measurement. Analyzing the change of wind speed probability distribution in height.
- Determination of the 90th percentile of the Weibull distribution for all heights and output of a reference profile for extreme wind speeds deduction.
(WP2) Identification the situations with extreme winds and define their distribution by months and hours of the day in different years. Meteorological analysis and selection of certain periods with extreme winds to assess the performance of mesometeorological modelling.
- Comparison of the obtained “reference” extreme profile with each individual, real-measured wind speed profile from the entire research period at all heights (at each 10 meters height);
- Tagging only of profiles with data availability at 70 meters (the purpose is to exclude “short profiles” from the analysis of the extreme events) and reaching a height determined by fulfilling a condition for higher values than these of the reference profile along the whole height (respective altitude).
- Obtaining the extreme profiles distribution measured from the sodar by months and hours of the day through different years.
- Selection of appropriate periods with sufficient duration of extreme events for the purposes of mesometeorological modeling (longer and sustainable periods will be on focus) accompanied by regional meteorological analysis (Southeastern Balkan Peninsula) through synoptic maps archive, aerological probes, and meteorological elements fields by operational and model data of the national and international meteorological services.
(WP3) Initialization of numerical non-hydrostatic meteorological model WRF and output of wind field stimulation data (velocity, direction and components of the wind vector). Selection and implementation of approximation to retrieve interpolated model data at levels close to those of the sodar.
- Configuration of the WRF model: selecting the parameterization of the physical processes that will be used for the numerical simulations in EP Ahtopol, adoption of several nested domains.
- Initialization of WRF model simulations for the selected extreme events periods with high temporal resolution (10 minutes) and an optimal number of vertical levels in the first 1000 meters above the surface.
- Review of the model results and calculation of interpolated model data to multiple sub-level between the actual simulation heights by the linear approximation of the model data in order to get as close to the levels of sodar measurements.
(WP4) Assess the performance of mesometeorological modelling in a coastal zone under the extreme winds conditions for the selected periods, by correlation correlations (Piersen coefficient) between measurements and modeling data in extreme events. Summary analysis of averaged characteristics and their dispersion of coastal ABL in conditions of extreme winds – visualization of averaged data from all registered extreme profiles time series in EP Ahtopol.
- Obtaining correlation coefficients between five pairs of variables (model data / measurements) – wind direction and speed (WD, WS), and three wind vector components (W – vertical velocity, U – Eastern component, and V – north component) using the Piersen correlation coefficient set by:
- time-series comparison at a certain height;
- individual profiles comparison at a given time;
- Obtaining averaged profiles and their dispersions of the wind field and the turbulence from the time series of all registered extreme profiles over the entire research period at the territory of EP Ahtopol.
(WP 5) Control and management of the implementation of project tasks. Creating a project web page, publishing the project information and results of its activities.
- Individual work packages activities interaction and coordination, deadlines implementation;
- Supervise the implementation of the financial plan and take action for its change if is necessary;
- Coordination and monitoring of the project stages report preparation;
- Comprehensive results review and selection of the appropriate ones for presentation in scientific publications and conferences;
- Stimulating the activity of the formed scientific team and searching for project results presenting opportunities at international conferences;
- Project research results preparation for scientific publications;
- To promote the objectives and tasks of the project on the Internet through the preparation of a webpage where, besides general information on the project, the achieved results of the set tasks to be announced.
- Potential risk analysis that could embarrass the implementation of the assigned tasks in the project and take timely actions to minimize them.


Clean Air Systems
Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD):
Wet & Dry Scrubbers: Industrial scrubbers are tools that can regulate emissions by purifying the exhaust flows, ensuring that hardly any toxic gasses or particulates can escape the building and enter the atmosphere.
A wet industrial scrubber is capable of extracting toxic substances from exhaust gases by the use of a wet material. As flue gas is transferred through the process, this gas is sprayed by the wet industrial scrubber with a special fluid that primarily reacts with the heavier pollutants present in the air. A dry industrial scrubber on the other hand sprays several dry reagents into the exhaust flow. This slurry will either neutralize contaminants, or fully turn them into another substance.
SCR & SNCR: The DeNOx process converts NOx to harmless nitrogen and water vapour by SCR or SNCR applications.
This reaction requires a reduction medium => “NH3, Ammonia
Common reduction mediums for DeNOx plants:
– Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3)
– Aqueous Ammonia solution (NH4OH), typically
– Urea solution


This article is the first in a series on condensation from Daniel James Cosntruction Services, experts in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dampness in buildings.
Condensation is probably the single most common source of damp in the home. But what is condensation? Where does it come from, how can we diagnose it and what damage can it cause?
Let’s look at a typical definition for condensation…
When air containing moisture meets a surface that has a temperature at or below dew point, the air cools and water held as vapour turns to liquid, forming condensation on a surface.
To fully understand that statement we need to look at two keys concepts. Relative humidity and dew point.
Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture suspended in the air as gas, relative to the amount of water the air can hold at a given temperature. Dew point is reached when relative humidity is 100%. At this point, the air is saturated and unable to hold any more water as gas.
The ability of air to hold moisture is based on air temperature with warmer air able to hold more moisture than cooler air. So, when warm moisture laden air meets a surface at or below dew point, the air cools and loses its capacity to hold moisture as vapour. As a result, condensation will occur.
What you can see with your eyes and some common sense goes a long way when investigating damp and the presence of mould, damp smells and wet patches could all be signs of condensation but could equally represent other forms of damp issue like penetrating damp. Psychrometric data can therefore be an invaluable tool for diagnosis of condensation.
What you can see with your eyes and some common sense goes a long way when investigating damp and the presence of mould.
A hygrometer is used to measure relative humidity. Combined with air temperature, relative humidity can be used to calculate dew point temperature. With the dew point temperature established, surface temperature can be measured at different locations in a room and where that surface temperature is at or below the dew point temperature, surface condensation will occur.
It is worth pointing out here that condensation causing conditions such as air temperature, humidity and surface temperature all vary throughout the day depending on conditions including ambient temperature and the amount of moisture generating activity taking place in the home. This can make it difficult to definitively diagnose condensation during a single survey.
Fortunately, sensors that measure air temperature and humidity and log the data can be deployed for a period of weeks to record values over time to facilitate accurate diagnosis.
The average household produces around 15 litres of water vapour every day from washing and drying clothes, showering, cooking and even breathing. With modern houses sealed ever tighter as we strive for energy efficiencies, moisture has less places to escape so effective ventilation is key to condensation control.
When liquid from condensation remains on surfaces, the moisture buildup can damage decorations and is likely to encourage the growth of mould and fungi, which in some cases can be detrimental to health.
Fortunately, there are plenty of measure we can put in place to control condensation and mitigate its effects. Take a look at our article on condensation control and prevention for more information


Emissions from large facilities such as power plants and refineries account for about half of global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. Bełchatów Power Station, in operation since 1988, is the largest lignite-fired power plant in the world, with a reported capacity of 5,102 megawatts. Lignite (brown coal) typically leads to higher emissions per megawatt generated than anthracite (hard coal). The Polish government has drafted plans to close the plant by the end of 2036.
Ray Nassar, a senior researcher at Environment and Climate Change Canada and the study’s lead author, noted that most carbon dioxide emissions reports are created from estimates or data collected at the land surface. Researchers account for the mass of fossil fuels purchased and used, then calculate the expected emissions; they generally do not make actual atmospheric carbon dioxide measurements.
“The finer details about exactly when and where emissions occur are often not available,” Nassar said. “Providing a more detailed picture of carbon dioxide emissions could help to track the effectiveness of policies to reduce emissions. Our approach with OCO-2 and OCO-3 can be applied to more power plants or modified for carbon dioxide emissions from cities or countries.”
Because of the mapping mode observations of OCO-3, NASA data could be used more extensively in quantifying CO2 point-source emissions in the future. NASA recently announced that mission operations will be extended for several more years aboard the space station, and the instrument will operate alongside another greenhouse gas observer aboard the space station, the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT).
“It is really exciting to think that we will get another five to six years of operations with OCO-3,” Chatterjee said. “We are seeing that making measurements at the right time and at the right scale is critical.”
He added that OCO-3 can serve as a “pathfinder” for next-generation satellite missions. The OCO-2 and OCO-3 projects are managed by JPL. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.


Scientists discovered that in the past, Venus might have had an Earth-like atmosphere which protected the surface of the planet enough to make it suitable to foster life.
The astronomers already knew that the distant globe had a formation, an internal structure and a chemical composure similar to our planet. However, at one moment in time, the similarities started to fade as Venus had a different evolutionary path.
The new report shows that there are even more points of reference in favor of Venus being habitable. By using climate models, the space scientists discovered that in the past, the planet had conditions very different from what we can see now.
Our modern day Venus has a surface temperature of 864 degrees Fahrenheit. The atmosphere is very thick; it’s mostly made of carbon dioxide and contains no water.
The Pioneer mission suggested in the 80s that the planet might have fostered an ocean. This was the point from where different theories of habitability started to emerge.
However, the researchers think that the fact that the planet is very close to the sun might have caused all the water in its oceans to evaporate. The H2O molecules might have been then broken down by sun radiation, and the hydrogen was released into space. The accumulation of carbon dioxide transformed the planet’s atmosphere into what we can observe in the present.
Another theory is that the rotation speed around the axis influences the climate. When it comes to Venus, a thick atmosphere is related to a slow rotation rate. However, new findings suggest that a thin atmosphere would be created under the same conditions.
The Goddard Institute for Space Studies released a new study that simulates the existing conditions on Venus in the past. The model assumes that the planet could have had an atmosphere similar to that on Earth, with the difference that one day on Venus took as much time as 117 days on our planet.
Another element added to the model was the hypothetical ocean that might have existed according to the data collected during the Pioneer mission three decades ago.
The astronomers concluded that the way Venus spins around its axis exposes its dayside to the sun for two months each time.
Moreover, the slow rotation can make the surface of the planet warm and it permits to produce rain, a phenomenon emerging from the thick clouds suspended over the surface of the world.
The layer of clouds protects the planet from solar radiation and prevents the surface from reaching extreme temperatures, just like it now happens on Earth.
Another finding of this climate simulation on Venus showed that the average temperature in the ancient times was just a few degrees lower than what we now have on Earth.
If proven to be scientifically accurate, the results of the study may lead to an archaeological mission to Venus, one that would be intended to discover if the life as we now have on our planet emerged in the past on a celestial body such as Venus.
Image Source: Wikipedia


NASA has released satellite imagery of what it says is the tropical low pressure designated System 91P building up in the Coral Sea, South Pacific Ocean.
The imagery was captured using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite on March 24 and it appears from the photo that the System 91P is consolidating and strengthening. The image showed bands of thunderstorms spiraling into the low-level center of circulation.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (ABM) has posted a Watch Zone for the developing low pressure area that extends from Cape Tribulation to St. Lawrence including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and the Whitsunday Islands.
On March 24 at 8 a.m. EST/U.S. (10:00 p.m. AEST/Australia Eastern Standard Time), the ABM said that the tropical low had sustained winds near the center at of 24 knots (28 mph/45 kph). The low pressure area is located near 16.9 degrees South latitude and 151.9 degrees east longitude, about 650 kilometers east of Cairns and 600 kilometers east northeast of Townsville.
On Saturday, March 25 the low is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone and adopt a west-southwest track, bringing it towards the north Queensland coast. ABM said “Conditions are expected to favor the continued intensification of the system as it approaches the coast over the weekend and early next week.”
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that animated multi-spectral satellite imagery and a microwave image from the NOAA-18 polar orbiting satellite show curved banding wrapping into a rapidly developing low level circulation center.
Global computer models indicate development of a tropical cyclone is likely within 12 to 24 hours. Based on improved structure and favorable environmental conditions, the potential for the development of a significant tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours is high.
The ABM current forecast track takes the system toward the Townsville area of Queensland on March 28 as a tropical cyclone. Coastal residents should make preparations.


What are Dust Storms Like on Other Planets?
Dust storms are a common occurrence on planets with an atmosphere, and they can significantly impact the planet's weather, climate, and surface features. These storms have been observed on several planets in our solar system, including Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Understanding how dust storms occur on other planets can provide valuable insights into the behavior of planetary atmospheres and the processes that shape their surfaces. We will discuss how and why dust storms occur on these planets.
Mars is the most well-known planet in terms of dust storms. The planet's thin atmosphere, low gravity, and lack of a protective magnetic field make it easier for winds to pick up dust particles and carry them across the planet. Mars also has a large amount of loose dust and sand on its surface, which can easily be lifted into the atmosphere.
Dust storms on Mars can be regional or global in scale. Regional dust storms can occur during the spring and summer seasons in the southern hemisphere and can last for several days to weeks. These storms are typically smaller in scale, covering a few hundred kilometers. Global dust storms on Mars can envelop the entire planet for several months. These storms occur less frequently, about once every three Martian years or approximately every five Earth years.
The exact mechanism behind the formation of dust storms on Mars has yet to be fully understood. One theory suggests that they start with heating the surface by the sun, which creates a temperature gradient that drives wind currents. These currents can then pick up dust particles, creating a positive feedback loop that intensifies the storm. Another theory proposes that dust storms on Mars are triggered by the release of carbon dioxide from the polar ice caps, which can create pressure waves that kickstart the storm. Also, the interaction of solar radiation and dust particles in the atmosphere can lead to forming of magnetic fields. These fields, in turn, can intensify wind currents that pick up even more dust.
Venus is another planet in our solar system that experiences dust storms, although they are invisible to the naked eye. The planet's thick atmosphere of sulfuric acid clouds obscures the surface and any visible dust activity. However, dust storms on Venus can occur in the upper atmosphere, where the strong winds carry sulfuric acid clouds and dust particles.
The atmosphere of Venus is composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with surface pressures about 90 times that of Earth. The intense heat generates strong updrafts that can carry dust particles up to high altitudes, where the planet's strong winds can transport them around the Earth. Dust storms on Venus are thought to occur mainly in the upper atmosphere, ranging from the cloud tops to the lower mesosphere.
The exact cause of dust storms on Venus is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve a complex interplay between atmospheric dynamics and chemical processes. It is thought that changes in the planet's atmospheric circulation, such as variations in the speed and direction of the winds, can trigger the formation of dust storms. Also, the presence of dust particles in Venus's atmosphere might decrease its cloud coverage, which can start more dust to be lifted.
Saturn is also known to experience dust storms, although they are less frequent and intense than Mars and Venus. The Cassini spacecraft first observed the dust storms on Saturn in 2006 when it detected a massive storm that encircled the planet's northern hemisphere.
The cause of dust storms on Saturn is thought to be related to changes in the planet's atmosphere, particularly its jet streams. These streams are massive bands of wind that can reach up to 1,800 km/h and span thousands of kilometers. When they change direction or speed, they can generate turbulence and instabilities that can trigger dust storms. The precise mechanism behind the formation of dust storms on Saturn is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be similar to the tools that drive dust storms on Mars and Venus. Also, it is believed that dust particles themselves can generate turbulence in the atmosphere.
The effects of a dust storm on a planet's surface can be significant. Winds and large amounts of airborne dust particles can affect visibility, hinder communications, cause power outages, and trigger landslides or avalanches. Dust storms on Mars have been observed to darken the planet’s surface by as much as 20%, making it much easier for ground-based cameras to view the planet's surface with their infrared capabilities.
Dust storms are a common occurrence on planets with an atmosphere, and they can significantly impact the planet's weather, climate, and surface features.
To recap: On Mars, dust storms are frequent and intense, while on Venus, they are not visible to the naked eye and occur mainly in the upper atmosphere. Dust storms on Saturn are less frequent and intense than those on Mars and Venus.Now, the exact mechanisms behind the formation of dust storms on these planets are still being studied. Still, they are thought to involve a combination of atmospheric dynamics, chemical processes, and surface conditions. Understanding how dust storms occur on other planets can provide valuable insights into the behavior of planetary atmospheres and the processes that shape their surfaces.


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There are many odd conspiracy theories propagated in social media that claim NASA, the federal government and others are manipulating the climate or controlling our minds using “chem-trails” or HAARP. If you google either of these, get ready for an interesting experience. The reason that this viral inaccuracy has resurfaced is because NASA tested its powerful RS-25 engine on February 21, 2017 at Stennis Space Centre in Mississippi. The RS-25 engine powered the Space Shuttle and a similar version will be used for NASA’s new Space Launch System Stennis Space Centre in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi has been a long-time test facility for such engines and is probably why these tests have generated “fake news” over the years. A NASA press release points out, “Operators powered one of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) engines up to 113 percent thrust level, the highest RS-25 power level yet achieved, during a test on Feb. 21 at Stennis Space Centre near Bay St. Louis, Miss. The test lasted 260 seconds with power levels at 113 percent for 50 seconds of the test. This was the third full-duration test conducted on the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis this year. NASA has been using the stand since January 2015 to test RS-25 engines for use on its new SLS rocket. Four RS-25 engines will help power SLS at launch, supplying a combined 2 million pounds of thrust and working in conjunction with a pair of solid rocket boosters to provide more than 8 million pounds of thrust.”
Facts about NASA RS-25 engine.
The exhaust from the RS-25 is primarily water vapor because the engine burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. You get H2O (also known as water). Therefore, the “clouds” that you see in the pictures or videos are a by-product of a very simple scientific process (see below). If the water vapor condenses, it may form drops large enough to fall as liquid or what appears as “rain.” By the way, it is well known in meteorology that particulates in exhausts from smokestacks and power plants can “seed” the generation of clouds. There are also efforts to try to introduce ice-forming materials into clouds to “seed” the formation of rainfall. To understand these processes, read my previous article here about rain. These methods have been proven to be inconclusive in some scientific studies, however, and the process is different from what you see in the videos that I am describing.
NASA did conduct an interesting experiment in 2017 in which it generated “clouds” (vapor trails) in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This was a controlled experiment to study the ionosphere and aurora. According to the NASA press release,
During the flight of a two-stage Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket between 4:25 and 4:42 a.m. EDT, 10 canisters about the size of a soft drink can will be deployed in the air, 6 to 12 miles away from the 670-pound main payload. The canisters will deploy between 4 and 5.5 minutes after launch forming blue-green and red artificial clouds. These clouds, or vapor tracers, allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space. The development of the multi-canister ampoule ejection system will allow scientists to gather information over a much larger area than previously allowed when deploying the tracers just from the main payload. The vapor tracers are formed through the interaction of barium, strontium and cupric-oxide. NASA has been trying to create artificial clouds for weeks now, but the weather was never right. Each time it was ready to launch the rocket, there would be clouds or rain or high winds. It was getting to the point some of us were wondering if NASA would ever complete this mission at all.
Last night, our doubts vanished in a puff of blue-green smoke. NASA finally succeeded, and the results were spectacular. If you live within a few hundred miles of Delaware, you could probably could have seen them from your home, and plenty of people posted their photos on social media.
The artificial clouds were part of a NASA experiment designed to test high-altitude winds and cloud movement. By tracking how these artificial clouds move, NASA could get better understand weather patterns and collect data they would never be able to get from a weather balloon.
According to NASA, A NASA satellite has captured the first occurrence of mysterious shiny polar clouds that form 50 miles above Earth’s surface. The AIM (Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere) spacecraft returned some of the first data on these noctilucent or “night shining” clouds on June 11, 2007. In this image of the Arctic regions of Europe and North America, white and light blue represent noctilucent cloud structures. Black indicates areas where no data is available.
The clouds form in an upper layer of the Earth’s atmosphere called the mesosphere during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season which began in mid-May and extends through the end of August and are being seen by AIM’s instruments more frequently as the season progresses. They are also seen in the high latitudes during the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere.
Very little is known about how these clouds form over the poles, why they are being seen more frequently and at lower latitudes than ever before, or why they have been growing brighter. AIM will observe two complete cloud seasons over both poles, documenting an entire life cycle of the shiny clouds for the first time.
AIM is providing scientists with information about how many of these clouds there are around the world and how different they are including the sizes and shapes of the tiny particles that make them up. Scientists believe that the shining clouds form at high latitudes early in the season and then move to lower latitudes as time progresses. The AIM science team is studying this new data to understand why these clouds form and vary, and if they may be related to global change.
A NASA sounding rocket to be launched from the Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, between February 13 and March 3, 2017, will form white artificial clouds during its brief, 10-minute flight.
The rocket is one of five being launched January through March, each carrying instruments to explore the aurora and its interactions with Earth’s upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Centre in Greenbelt, Maryland, explain that electric fields drive the ionosphere, which, in turn, are predicted to set up enhanced neutral winds within an aurora arc. This experiment seeks to understand the height-dependent processes that create localized neutral jets within the aurora.
For this mission, two 56-foot long Black Brant IX rockets will be launched nearly simultaneously. One rocket is expected to fly to an apogee of about 107 miles while the other is targeted for 201 miles apogee. Only the lower altitude rocket will form the white luminescent clouds during its flight.
Flying the two similar payloads simultaneously to different altitudes will provide researchers unprecedented vertical measurements within an aurora.
The launches will occur between 7 pm and midnight AKST. The launch decision is dependent on clear skies and auroral activity.
During the flight, a vapor tracer cloud of trimethyl aluminium or TMA will be deployed to allow scientists on the ground to be able to visually track the winds within the aurora.
Trimethyl aluminium reacts with oxygen when exposed to the atmosphere. The products of the reaction are aluminium oxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, which also occur naturally in the atmosphere. The amount of TMA used in the test is much less than that used in a typical July 4 fireworks display. It will be released at altitudes of 60-100 miles high and poses absolutely no hazard to the community.
The rocket engines being tested in the video run on liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. When these two materials combine and combust in an engine, they make large clouds of steam that exceed 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. During a launch, bystanders can see these exhaust plumes trailing behind a rocket as it ascends into the sky. But when a rocket engine is tested on the ground at Stennis, the test stand makes the plumes shoot out horizontal to the ground.
The neat thing about the steam produced by these kinds of engine tests is that it can create rain nearby, which Clarkson experiences in the video. The steam rises after the test and cools in the air. It then turns back into water and rains down on any surrounding bystanders. That isn’t the point of the test stand, though — something the bogus video elides. Instead, that rain is just a (delightful) side effect of the engine test. And since the clouds are just water, the plumes aren’t polluting the atmosphere.
What do you think about this? Could there be more to what we are being told and what we see? Can meteorology prove anything here?
Drop us some comments and let’s talk.


Have you ever wondered what causes wind patterns that are so predictable in some parts of the world that they are given their own names such as Santa Ana, trade winds, or chinook? On the other hand, there are so many variations caused by climate, air quality, and the nature of the terrain, in other locations the wind is quite changeable from day to day.
In essence, winds are basically created by the earth’s rotation and air temperature that is unequal. Other contributing factors cause the winds to behave differently in different locales.
On any coast, there are specific wind patterns caused by thick cool sea air blowing toward land during the daytime. At night, the opposite occurs, and this creates a pulsing pattern that constantly repeats itself.
In the mountains, the air behaves differently. Warm air rises on one side of a mountain where the sun strikes, losing its moisture in precipitation and cooling, till it becomes dry air which propels down the other side and becomes heated. The famous chinooks which occur in the Rocky Mountains are a good example of mountain wind.
Many times, a cold dry wind will speed down tall mountainsides into lower valleys, necessitating towns to be build their streets in an east-west direction as a practical matter. This serves as a protective buffer from the extreme winds. How the winds affect the valley climate is dependent on the altitude and steepness of the surrounding mountains.
The air in valleys can become stagnant through industrialization, high population, and ill-advised landscaping measures such as extreme tree removal.
At the equator
At the division between the northern and southern hemispheres, there is a distinct absence of heavy wind called dead calm. There are light breezes in this area which are caused by low pressure. The light winds result as updrafts from evaporation, frustrating sailors for their inability to catch a sail and carry a craft along.
Many seasonal wind patterns, such as the summer monsoons which take place in India, are severe because the land is warming and cooling off much more rapidly than the ocean. This causes extreme differences in temperature and air pressure. The wind draws up moisture from the sea, resulting in torrential rainfall. When winter comes to the area, dry wind blows out from the land.
Tropical storm and hurricane season take place in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean during the late summer, caused by severe winds drawing from the moist, warm air.
On the plains
Tornadoes, or “twisters” result from cold and warm blocks of air colliding violently. This phenomenon usually happens over extensive areas of flat land, but more rarely can occur in valleys.
In many regions, severe wind patterns are expected at certain times of the year, with residents prepared to evacuate or take shelter at a moment’s notice.
The wind and its patterns are endlessly fascinating, and a continual source of study and scientific examination.


Watch the Latest Winter Predictions for East Texas
Given the extreme heat and dry conditions that we've had here since the beginning of Summer, I think I can speak for many fellow East Texans when I say, "When is Fall going to get here...and stay?!"
I have heard that a strong 'El Nino' could make for a cooler and wetter Winter for our area, but we may have to wait until November or December for that pattern to entrench.
In fact, the atmospheric scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) have released a video that details what El Nino is expected to bring to the U.S. in December and January. If the stats and tendencies in this video hold true then maybe we can begin the process of getting some of our ponds and lakes filled back to capacity.


The study of weather and climate is intrinsically linked. Climate on the one hand can be considered as average weather, and on the other hand, if the climate changes, the impact will be primarily felt through extreme weather cases. Scientific progress in these fields heavily depends on the development and the use of numerical atmospheric models. Additionally, the focus in climate science is shifting from global climate change to the study of regional climate impact, which demands the development of high-resolution numerical models. The same type of modeling techniques are used to develop models for climate studies as the ones for weather applications. The aim of this postgraduate programme is to prepare scientists in the most efficient way to become active as a researcher in the modern discipline of atmospheric modeling for weather and climate applications. The content of the program is deeply rooted in the current scientific challenges encountered within the international ALADIN and HIRLAM consortia. These consortia develop and maintain the European HARMONIE system that is used for making numerical weather predictions and climate studies.
This postgraduate is organised in cooperation with the RMI (Royal Meteorological Institute). To be in touch with the current research, the courses are given by (international) specialists working at the RMI, Belgocontrol, VITO, ALADIN, HIRLAM ...
The ultimate goal is to prepare young scientists for research in international projects such as THORPEX (www.wmo.int/thorpex). This 10-year international global atmospheric research and development programme was established by the WMO (in 2003) and is aimed at reducing and mitigating the impact of disasters by transforming forecasts into information for decision making.
The Postgraduate Studies in Weather and Climate Modeling offers the essential courses needed to start research in meteorology and numerical weather prediction.
In the first semester the programme will provide the necessary basic training in meteorology, climatology and numerical analysis, that forms the basis for the atmospheric sciences. In the second semester, the postgraduate will build further on this basis to introduce the students to atmospheric modeling, data assimilation, predictability, remote sensing and chemical air pollution models. The weekly course sessions are concentrated in two afternoons, typically Monday and Tuesday. Data assimilation and atmospheric modeling are two exceptions and are taught intensively during one or two weeks in the second semester. The schedule is made after deliberation with the students.


Saturday we had a BIG storm come through. It lasted about an hour or so. We had tornado warnings and everything. I heard a tornado touched down in 4 different places, 3 were in an open field, so no damage, and 1 was on/near a property and there was minimal damage done. Here at our house, we got a TON of rain and hail.
I LOVE these kinds of storms. We were inside, and we *maybe* should have been down in the basement, but then we couldn’t watch it all happen! If it was REALLY that dangerous, we would have gone downstairs. But our hail wasn’t huge, and we didn’t see the swirling clouds. So we stayed upstairs to watch!
Do you have a Wordless (or not so wordless) Wednesday Photo to share? Link it up below!


Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. Misinformation and outright myths abound, making it difficult for people to understand the true scope of the problem.
In this article, we’ll dispel five of the most common myths about climate change. With a better understanding of the facts, we can all work together to make a difference.
Myth #1: Climate change isn’t real.
This is perhaps the most damaging myth of all. Climate change is very real, and it’s happening right now. The evidence is all around us, from melting glaciers to shifting weather patterns. Climate change is caused by human activity, and it’s a serious threat to our planet.
Myth #2: Climate change isn’t a big deal.
Climate change is a very big deal. It’s already causing droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. It’s also making it difficult for people and animals to adapt. As the climate continues to change, the effects will become more and more severe.
Myth #3: We can’t do anything about climate change.
This is simply not true. There are many things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment. We can drive less, use energy-efficient appliances, and recycle. We can also support renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Myth #4: Climate change is natural.
Climate change is not natural. It’s caused by human activity, specifically the emission of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise.
Myth #5: The effects of climate change won’t be felt for years.
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people and animals all over the world. As the climate continues to change, the effects will become more widespread and more severe.
Climate change is a complex issue, but it’s important to understand the facts. With accurate information, we can all work together to make a difference.


Hazy Air and Smoke Alerts for Portland Cloud Holiday Weekend
(Portland, Oregon) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning regarding fire hazard conditions throughout a large portion of Oregon between the Cascades and the coast range, just as smoke from central Oregon wildfires is blowing into the Portland area and choking local residents. (Above: hazy conditions in SW Portland)
The situation could last until Monday.
Friday, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a warning that wildfire smoke was expected to hit cities from Portland down to Medford, including Salem, Eugene, Silverton and Wilsonville, among others. That has come true, with a hefty helping of warm winds that could be aggravating the problem.
It’s the talk of the town at one Starbucks on Beaverton/Hillsdale Highway in SW Portland. One woman complained not just about the hazy conditions, but that her eyes were burning during a walk in Portland’s Pearl District earlier on Saturday.
The skies over Portland are an unpleasant mix of brown haze and blue skies, with the air thick with the smell of smoke and plenty of irritating particulates, causing a wide variety of allergy-like reactions.
“Smoke could reach unhealthy levels in Salem, Eugene and the Southern Portland Metro area over the weekend, clearing up by Monday,” DEQ said in its warning. “The Department of Environmental Quality urges people in these areas to take precautions should smoke reach unhealthy levels.”
The DEQ said air quality could rise and fall rapidly deepening on changing wind directions.
The agency recommends staying indoors and avoiding strenuous activity outdoors.
Heavy smoke and visibility issues have been reported on some highways near the fires in the Mount Hood and central Oregon areas, like Highway 35.
The NWS issued a red flag warning for much of the I-5 corridor because of the incoming heat wave which will exasperate fire conditions in many of the wildfire areas.


Daily Weather and Current Time - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas)
The standard time/local time in Gran Canaria is UTC / GMT + 1 h (WEST) Daylight Saving Time. But it is in summer times; during outside summertime, the local time is just UTC / GMT.
Gran Canaria presents a great climatic diversity, due to both the altitudinal gradient and the effect of the trade winds, which cause sharp landscape differences between windward and leeward, for this reason, it is called "The Continent in Miniature". The insular capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is considered to be the city with the best climate in the world according to a study made by the University of Syracuse (New York). On the other hand, Mogán, in the south of the island, is the place of the European Union with more clear days. The climate of Gran Canaria makes ecological diversity remarkable: the island has more than one hundred plant endemism, as well as other five hundred shared with the rest of the Canary Islands.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the summers are hot, humid and arid; the winters are long, comfortable and dry and it is windy and mostly clear throughout the year. During the course of the year, the temperature generally varies from 16 ° C to 27 ° C and rarely drops below 14 ° C or rises above 30 ° C.
Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of the year to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for heat activities is from the end of June to the end of September.
The temperate season lasts 3.3 months, from July 7 to October 16, and the average daily maximum temperature is over 26 °C. The hottest day of the year is August 21, with an average maximum temperature of 27 °C and an average minimum temperature of 22 °C.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is located near a large body of water (e.g. an ocean, sea or large lake). The average temperature of the water has extreme seasonal variations during the year.
The time of year when the water is warmer lasts 3.0 months, from August 7 to November 7, with an average temperature above 22 °C. The day of the year when the water is warmer is September 23, with an average temperature of 23 °C.
The time of year when the water is coldest lasts 3.9 months, from January 9 to May 6, with an average temperature below 20 °C. The day of the year when the water is the coldest is February 26, with an average temperature of 19 °C.
The cool season lasts 3.9 months, from December 17 to April 13, and the average daily maximum temperature is less than 22 °C. The coldest day of the year is February 5, with an average minimum temperature of 16 °C and an average maximum of 21 °C.


Witnessing the northern lights is on the bucket list of many people. It is a natural astronomical phenomenon known as polar lights or “aurora Polaris.” It is curtains of colored lights that are visible occasionally during the night sky. To witness this beauty, December through March are the best months. However, you can witness this phenomenon in a few places as early as August. The best place to see this beautiful show is near the Arctic Circle. It includes Canada, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Alaska, Greenland, and Finland.
It is quite famous among people. Therefore, before you see the northern lights, you should know a few things about it.
Bring the correct clothes.
Irrespective of where you watch the northern lights, it will likely be in winter. You will be in the dark on a harsh cold night to watch this beautiful phenomenon. So be prepared. Otherwise, you will be running inside to get a jacket. It will result in missing the appearance of the aurora.
To wait out the night during a cold winter night, you need:
- Warm footwear, like sore boots.
- Quality thermals
- Gloves, scarves, and jackets
Choose the best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway.
Pick the right time if you are planning a trip to Norway to see the northern lights. Summers are a big no. But even in winter, choosing the correct month is essential. From November to January, the winters are brutal. It may not be possible for you to witness the northern lights in such harsh climates. Instead, plan a trip for late September to October. Or, from late January to March, you can visit Norway to witness the aurora borealis. Also, it is a misconception that you will see this phenomenon when the sky becomes dark around 3 p.m. in December. It’s wrong. You will most likely witness them after 6 p.m. The weather changes here quickly. So, try to pick these months to visit Norway. But also do a quick weather forecast check to be sure.
Don’t just focus on the Northern lights.
If you only go to Norway, Iceland, Finland, or any other location for the northern lights, it’s a waste. Sometimes, no matter how much you try, you cannot witness this magical marvel. Thus, it is better to plan your trip and be excited about other things the city has to offer. If you witness this, it will be an added adventure. But if your trip revolves around this, it may not be as fruitful.
The Aurora Oval is unpredictable.
The northern lights are extremely unpredictable. To see them, the night sky should be clear and dark. It means that in countries like Norway, you might think you will see them as early as 3 p.m. However, that’s not true. The solar wind or sun should have solar flares for the northern lights to appear. The logic behind the aurora borealis is that when the sun’s particles enter the earth’s atmosphere, they collide with gas atoms. When this happens, you will see the northern lights. And even though scientists have developed methods to forecast them, they can be wrong. When the sky was clear with a forecast, there were often no northern lights. They are unpredictable, and you need to be vigilant about witnessing them.
They occur all year around.
A common misconception is that the northern lights occur only in the winter. The truth is, they are active all year round. But they are visible only when the sky is dark. From April through August, most places with this marvel have daylight 24 hours a day. Therefore, it is challenging to see them. But when, in late August, daylight decreases, you can witness them in August too. However, the best months for tourists are late September, October, and January to March.
Book a guided tour.
When chasing the northern lights, booking a guided tour is better. It increases your chances of witnessing this magical phenomenon. The guides know how to chase and track the weather better. They also talk to other guides and will take you to better locations for the best views.
Are you planning to go witness the northern lights? Then ensure you know all about the place. You pack efficiently, such as thermals, if you are going in the winter. Also, don’t forget to take a camera to capture the beautiful moment.


“When deciding whether to pop open the umbrella or shed an extra layer, Northwesterners trust Cliff Mass to provide answers. After all, the atmospheric scientist literally wrote the book on Northwest weather. His 2008 paperback, The Weather of the Pacific Northwest, covers the region’s broad meteorological landscape, from the Puget Sound convergence zone to the “banana belt” of Southern Oregon.
Mass’s intense interest in Northwest weather developed while he earned his PhD in atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington in 1978. After graduation, Mass briefly left the Northwest for a professorship in Maryland but was drawn back to Seattle, where he gained local celebrity status as a professor at the UW, a weekly guest on public radio, and as the host of the popular Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog.”


SUSTAINABLY SUPPLYING YOUR ADVENTURE
We have partnered with Shopify Planet to ensure that each and every one of our deliveries is carbon-neutral. Using a portion of the proceeds from each sale, a carbon removal credit is purchased to offset the estimated carbon emissions involved in the delivery of that order.
For example, if a truck or a plane that delivers your shipment releases 1 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, then that 1kg of CO2 is also sucked from the atmosphere and stored away using solutions and technologies outlined in the Shopify Sustainability Fund.
There is a fast-growing and evolving sector with many carbon removal technologies in different stages of development. These technologies include nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and soil carbon sequestration and more high-tech solutions, such as direct air capture and mineralization.


Pass mark 75% from twenty randomly chosen questions.
#1. At the passage of a warm front you would expect:
#2. The Internationl Standard Atmosphere (ISA) is a standard against which to compare the actual atmosphere at any point and time. Taking values at sea level, which of the following values is correct?
#3. The __________ is the boundary in the Earth’s atmosphere between the troposphere and the stratosphere.
#4. In the southern hemisphere, high pressure system winds circulate in which direction?
#5. The atmosphere:
#6. For smog to form:
#7. What is the wind that forms from the result of air warming on the side of a valley called?
#8. You are flying at a constant indicated altitude when you enter a region of higher air pressure. Without making any altimeter changes at all, what would happen to your actual altitude?
With an increase of ambient pressure, the altimeter would indicate that you are at a lower altitude.
The two hints here are that you are at constant INDICATED altitude (from your altimeter, of course) and that the subscale has not been adjusted to the new pressure. Therefore, as the altimeter starts to indicate a lower altitude, adjustments to the flight are made to return to the correct indicated altitude, when in fact you would be climbing,
In reality, this would hardly be noticeable with a realistic change of perhaps a maximum of 2hPa increase in pressure over your route, which would equate to a gain of 60 feet altitude.
#9. When referring to alto-cumulous cloud, what does the prefix “alto” mean?
#10. Mean sea level density in the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) is:
#11. In the northern hemisphere, compared to the surface, the 2000 foot wind can be expected to:
#12. For saturated air, the lapse rate is _______________ ; this is called the Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate (SALR)
#13. The decode for hail in a METAR is:
#14. On a cold, clear night, ice crystals may form on a surface directly from water vapour. What is this process called?
#15. Lines joining places of equal atmospheric pressure are called:
#16. In the ISA, what is the atmospheric pressure at sea level?
#17. Select the true statement concerning isobar and windflow patterns around high and low pressure systems, as shown on synoptic charts:
#18. Fog that forms from the interaction of two airmasses is called:
#19. Following the passage of a typical cold front, an observer at the surface would expect to experience which of the following conditions:


In recent years, China ’s air haze weather has been frequent and air pollution is serious. This has become one of the most serious and urgent environmental problems in China. In order to reduce the impact of heating and heating in northern towns on air haze weather, efficient and environmentally friendly heating methods can be used instead of traditional coal-fired heating. The emergence of air-source heat pumps, while saving energy, also avoids direct emissions of pollutants. Its promotion and application will ease the current situation of air haze weather.
There are many types of heating methods and technical forms in China. Among them, according to the heat source fuel, it can be divided into coal burning, fuel oil, gas and electric heating methods. This article will compare the energy consumption and emissions of pollutants produced by coal-fired boilers, gas-fired boilers, electric boilers, solar electric heating, and air-source heat pumps with the same heating capacity.
Figure | Driven by Beijing's "Clean Air Plan" and "Coal to Electricity", more than 200 households in a village in Miyun switched to air-source heat pumps for heating. The picture was originally taken by this reporter.
Pollutant emissions per unit energy consumption
The energy consumption of the heating system is one of the main sources of air pollution. It has two types of direct and indirect pollution to the environment and the atmosphere. Direct pollution refers to the pollutants emitted by the combustion of various fuels, mainly including soot, SO2, NOx and CO2. In addition, although electric heating has no direct pollution, indirect pollution still exists because more than 70% of China's electricity is coal-fired power generation.
Table 1 Pollutant emissions when various fuels are consumed
Basis for the value of pollutant emissions when various fuels are consumed:
(1) Standard coal: Take a chain furnace as an example, smoke and dust account for 25% of ash, average ash content is 20%, and the dust removal rate is calculated as 85%. If combustibles in smoke and dust are taken as 20%, 1 tce can emit 7.5 kg of smoke and dust; The state stipulates that the sulfur content of standard coal is 1%, then 1 tce can emit 16 kg of SO2; the nitrogen content is taken as 1.5%, and the nitrogen conversion rate is taken as 25%, and 1 tce can be replaced to emit 7.6 kg of NOx; 1 tce is completely burned The amount of CO2 produced is 2.62 t.
(2) Light diesel and natural gas dust, SO2 and NOx emission indicators are calculated according to the GB13271-2001 "National People's Republic of China National Standard Boiler Air Pollutant Emission Standard". The CO2 emission indicators are based on the general technical conditions of fuel use. Statistical average.
(3) From the analysis in Table 1, it can be seen that the emissions of pollutants from power plants are far less than those from direct coal combustion. The reason is that the use of large and extra large boilers for power generation will generally be treated after de-dusting, desulfurization and denitrification, and then discharged. These measures are difficult to burn in small and medium boilers such as self-provided boiler rooms and regional boiler rooms Do it, or the cost is high.
At the same time, the pollution caused by the burning of bulk coal in the vast rural areas of China is even more serious. As far as China is concerned, electricity is the sector that can cleanly use coal. Therefore, the use of coal for combustion in large and extra large boilers to generate electricity, and the promotion of air source heat pumps as an efficient indirect electric heating technology in the project, can effectively improve the current situation of air haze due to winter fuel combustion.
Analysis of pollutant emissions under heating conditions
Table 2 lists the energy consumption and environmental pollution of various heat sources when producing 1000 kW of heat. In order to facilitate the comparison of the energy consumption of each scheme, each energy source is converted into equivalent standard coal. The energy calorific value, thermal efficiency of the equipment, and the discounted coal coefficient of each energy are shown in Table 2. Among them, the equivalent conversion coefficient is the ratio of the equivalent heating value (theoretical calorific value) of the fuel to the calorific value of the standard coal; the equivalent conversion coefficient refers to the ratio of the equivalent heating value of the secondary energy to the standard heating value.
Table 2 Comparison of energy consumption of various heating methods
Figure 2 shows the quantitative comparison results of various schemes. From Table 2 and Figure 2, it can be seen that the energy consumption of the air source heat pump is the least among the six heating methods when the same heat is obtained. If converted into equivalent standard coal, the air-source heat pump saves 69.04 kg of standard coal, which is about 36.5%, than coal-fired boilers.
Figure 2 Comparison of energy consumption of different heating methods
According to the calorific value calculated in Table 2, the energy consumption of each fuel and the amount of pollutants per unit energy consumption in Table 1 result in Table 3, that is, the total amount of pollutants produced by various heating methods to produce the same heat.
Table 3 Emissions of the same thermal pollutants
It can be seen from Table 3 that the total pollution emission of air-source heat pumps is not much different from that of gas-fired boilers, but far less than that of several other heating schemes that use electric energy as their energy source. It also produces 1,000 kW of heat, and the pollutant emissions of air-source heat pumps reduce 90.6% of soot, 29.5% of SO2, 46.2% of NOx, and 53.2% of CO2 compared with coal-fired boilers; compared with electric boilers, it is equivalent To reduce 68.3% of soot, SO2, NOx, and CO2 emissions.
If electric energy is not used for coal-fired power, but clean energy is used for power generation, such as nuclear power, hydropower, solar photovoltaic power generation or wind power generation, air source heat pump heating must be the best environmental protection solution.