Excerpt from Air Quality in the National Parks: A Summary of Findings From the National Park Service Air Quality Research and Monitoring Program
The purpose of this report is to summarize findings from the nps air quality research and monitoring program based on data collected through 1987. This information helps the National Park Service to remedy and prevent resource degradation so that future generations can enjoy the parks in as natural a condition as possible.
Visibility monitoring has shown that. In addition to natural sources of visibility impairment. There are varying degrees of visibility impairment from manmade pollution in virtually all monitored parks. Nps research findings suggest that fine sulfate particles are the single most important contributor to visibility impairment in most nps units. Fine sulfate particles, which can be transported long distances in the atmosphere. Are primarily the result of sulfur oxide emissions from energy and industrial sources. In the Colorado Plateau area. Where Grand Canyon National Park and several other nps units are located, fine sulfate particles are responsible for 40 to 60 percent of the visibility impairment. In eastern areas of the country. Fine sulfates play an even larger role in visibility impairment. In the Pacific Northwest. Sulfates are not the primary cause of visibility impairment; instead. Fine carbon from controlled burning of timber and agricultural land and natural forest fires plays a prominent role.
Research on effects of visibility on the visitor experience in five nps units indicates that clean. Clear air is one of the most important features of these parks. It appears that visitors value an environment undisturbed by man above all other features of the parks. Research findings on the effects of changes in visual air quality suggest that a small increase in air pollution is more easily noticed and more disturbing to the human observer when the atmosphere is initially relatively clean.
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