Severe haze in northern China: A synergy of anthropogenic emissions and atmospheric processes

Abstract

Significance Severe haze events with large temporal/spatial coverages have occurred frequently in wintertime northern China. These extremes result from a complex interplay between emissions and atmospheric processes and provide a unique scientific platform to gain insights into many aspects of the relevant atmospheric chemistry and physics. Here we synthesize recent progress in understanding severe haze formation in northern China. In particular, we highlight that improved understanding of the emission sources, physical/chemical processes during haze evolution, and interactions with meteorological/climatic changes are necessary to unravel the causes, mechanisms, and trends for haze pollution. This viewpoint established on the basis of sound science is critical for improving haze prediction/forecast, formulating effective regulatory policies by decision makers, and raising public awareness of environmental protection. Regional severe haze represents an enormous environmental problem in China, influencing air quality, human health, ecosystem, weather, and climate. These extremes are characterized by exceedingly high concentrations of fine particulate matter (smaller than 2.5 µm, or PM2.5) and occur with extensive temporal (on a daily, weekly, to monthly timescale) and spatial (over a million square kilometers) coverage. Although significant advances have been made in field measurements, model simulations, and laboratory experiments for fine PM over recent years, the causes for severe haze formation have not yet to be systematically/comprehensively evaluated. This review provides a synthetic synopsis of recent advances in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of severe haze formation in northern China, focusing on emission sources, chemical formation and transformation, and meteorological and climatic conditions. In particular, we highlight the synergetic effects from the interactions between anthropogenic emissions and atmospheric processes. Current challenges and future research directions to improve the understanding of severe haze pollution as well as plausible regulatory implications on a scientific basis are also discussed.