Contribution of Atmospheric Circulation to Interannual Variability of Ozone Concentrations in China and Impact Mechanisms

Abstract It’s essential to clarify the complex interactions between atmospheric circulation, climate, and ozone pollution. In this study, we observed that meteorological factors and circulation types affecting ozone concentrations in China exhibit significant regional differences. The interannual variability of atmospheric circulation strongly influence the interannual variability of ozone, with the contribution of it varying from 74% to 99% across the 10 regions we examined. Interannual fluctuations in ozone concentration are primarily caused by changes in the intensity of atmospheric circulation types. Additionally, among all circulation types, heavily polluted type of Chinese ozone accounts for 23.95%, caused by EOF1 mode (Arctic Oscillation), while EOF2 mode is identified as impact mechanisms for the clean type of Chinese ozone. However, circulation that leads to ozone pollution will increase, and it is noteworthy that Chinese ozone levels under the comprehensive influence of atmospheric circulation and meteorology are expected to increase in the foreseeable future.