Air Quality Models

Air quality models use mathematical and numerical techniques to simulate the physical and chemical
processes that affect air pollutants as they disperse and react in the atmosphere. Based on inputs of
meteorological data and source information like emission rates and stack height, these models are
designed to characterize primary pollutants that are emitted directly into the atmosphere and, in some
cases, secondary pollutants that are formed as a result of complex chemical reactions within the
atmosphere. These models are important to our air quality management system because they are
widely used by agencies tasked with controlling air pollution to both identify source contributions to air
quality problems and assist in the design of effective strategies to reduce harmful air pollutants. For
example, air quality models can be used during the permitting process to verify that a new source will
not exceed ambient air quality standards or, if necessary, determine appropriate additional control
requirements. In addition, air quality models can also be used to predict future pollutant
concentrations from multiple sources after the implementation of a new regulatory program, in order
to estimate the effectiveness of the program in reducing harmful
exposures to humans and the environment.
The most commonly used air quality models include the following:
Dispersion Modeling - These models are typically used in the
permitting process to estimate the concentration of pollutants at
specified ground-level receptors surrounding an emissions source.
Photochemical Modeling - These models are typically used in regulatory or policy assessments to
simulate the impacts from all sources by estimating pollutant concentrations and deposition of both
inert and chemically reactive pollutants over large spatial scales.
Receptor Modeling - These models are observational techniques which use the chemical and physical
characteristics of gases and particles measured at source and receptor to both identify the presence of
and to quantify source contributions to receptor concentrations.
Additional Information about air quality models can be found at Related Links.

Dispersion Modeling

Dispersion modeling uses mathematical formulations to characterize the atmospheric processes that
disperse a pollutant emitted by a source. Based on emissions and meteorological inputs, a dispersion
model can be used to predict concentrations at selected downwind receptor locations. These air quality
models are used to determine compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and
other regulatory requirements such as New Source Review (NSR) and Prevention of Significant
Deterioration (PSD) regulations. These models are addressed in Appendix A of EPA's Guideline on Air
Quality Models (also published as Appendix W (PDF) of 40 CFR Part 51), which was originally published
in April 1978 to provide consistency and equity in the use of modeling within the U.S. air quality
management system. These guidelines are perodically revised to
ensure that new model developments or expanded regulatory
requirements are incorporated.
This site provides links for dispersion models and other related tools
and information as follows:
Preferred/Recommended Models - Refined air quality models
that are currently listed in Appendix W (PDF) and are required to be
used for State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions for existing
sources and NSR and PSD programs.
Alternative Models - Models, not listed in Appendix W (PDF), that can be used in regulatory
applications with case-by-case justification to the Reviewing Authority as noted in Section 3.2, "Use of
Alternative Models", in Appendix W (PDF).
Screening Tools - Models that are often applied before applying a refined air quality model to
determine if refined modeling is needed.
Related Programs - Programs and utilities that are used in support of some of the dispersion models
listed here. Note that utilities designed for use with particular models will be found with those models.
The EPA's Air Quality Modeling Group uses dispersion models as part of its modeling analyses for
which information can be found at Modeling Applications & Tools and provides guidance on the use
of these models for permit modeling available at Modeling Guidance & Support. Additional
information about dispersion models can be found at Related Links.

Dispersion Modeling

Preferred/Recommended Models
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Adobe
PDF files on this page. See EPA's PDF page for more
information about getting and using the free Acrobat
Reader.

These refined dispersion models are listed in Appendix W and are required to
be used for State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions for existing sources and
for New Source Review (NSR) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)
programs. The models in this section include the following:
AERMOD Modeling System - A steady-state plume model that incorporates
air dispersion based on planetary boundary layer turbulence structure and
scaling concepts, including treatment of both surface and elevated sources,
and both simple and complex terrain.
CALPUFF Modeling System - A non-steady-state puff dispersion model that
simulates the effects of time- and space-varying meteorological conditions on
pollution transport, transformation, and removal. CALPUFF can be applied for
long-range transport and for complex terrain.
Other Models - Other dispersion models including BLP, CALINE3,
CAL3QHC/CAL3QHCR, CTDMPLUS, and OCD.
AERMOD Modeling System
The American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model
Improvement Committee (AERMIC) was formed to introduce state-of-the-art modeling concepts into
the EPA's air quality models. Through AERMIC, a modeling system, AERMOD, was introduced that
incorporated air dispersion based on planetary boundary layer turbulence structure and scaling
concepts, including treatment of both surface and elevated sources, and both simple and complex
terrain.
There are two input data processors that are regulatory components of the AERMOD modeling
system: AERMET, a meteorological data preprocessor that incorporates air dispersion based on
planetary boundary layer turbulence structure and scaling concepts, and AERMAP, a terrain data
preprocessor that incorporates complex terrain using USGS Digital Elevation Data. Other nonregulatory components of this system include: AERSCREEN, a screening version of AERMOD;
AERSURFACE, a surface characteristics preprocessor, and BPIPPRIME, a multi-building dimensions
program incorporating the GEP technical procedures for PRIME applications.
At this time, AERMOD does not calculate design values for the lead NAAQS (rolling 3-month
averages). A post-processing tool, LEADPOST, is available to calculate design values from monthly
AERMOD output. This tool calculates and outputs the rolling cumulative (all sources) 3-month
average concentration at each modeled receptor with source group contributions and the maximum
cumulative (all sources) rolling 3-month average concentration by receptor.

Below is the model code and documentation for AERMOD Version 15181. The model code and
supporting documents are not static but evolve to accommodate the best available science. Please
check this website often for updates to model code and associated documents. As of December 9,
2006, AERMOD is fully promulgated as a replacement to ISC3, in accordance with Appendix W.
AERMOD Implementation Guide
AERMOD Implementation Guide (PDF, 133KB) - Provides information on the recommended use of
AERMOD for particular applications and is an evolving document. (Updated August 3, 2015.)
Model Code
README (v15181) (TXT, 1KB)
Executable (v15181) (ZIP, 1.2MB)
Source Code (v15181) (ZIP, 506KB)
Model Documentation
README (v15181) (TXT, 1KB)
AERMOD Quick Reference Guide (PDF, 61KB)
User's Guide Addendum (ZIP, 2.3MB)
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#11 - Version Date 15181 (PDF, 43KB)

#10 - Version Date 14134 (PDF, 37KB)
#9 - Version Date 13350 (TXT, 9KB)
#8 - Version Date 12345 (TXT, 9KB)
#7 - Version Date 12060 (TXT, 6KB)
#6 - Version Date 11353 (TXT, 3KB)
#5 - Version Date 11103 (TXT, 3KB)
#4 - Version Date 11059 (TXT, 13KB)
#3 - Version Date 09292 (TXT, 33KB)
#2 - Version Date 07026 (TXT, 4KB)
#1 - Version Date 06341 (TXT, 10KB)

Model Formulation Document (PDF, 441KB)

Addendum to the AERMOD Model Formulation Document (PDF, 44KB) - PVMRM and LOWWIND options
technical description
Test Cases
Test Cases README (TXT, 5KB)
AERMET-AERMOD Test Comparisons (XLSX, 516KB)
Test Case - AERMET_Def_14134_AERMOD_15181 (ZIP, 13.2MB)
Test Case - AERMET_Def_15181_AERMOD_14134 (ZIP, 14.3MB)
Test Case - AERMET_Def_15181_AERMOD_15181 (ZIP, 13.2MB)
Test Case - AERMET_UStar_14134_AERMOD_15181 (ZIP, 13.3MB)
Test Case - AERMET_UStar_15181_AERMOD_14134 (ZIP, 13.1MB)
Test Case - AERMET_UStar_15181_AERMOD_15181 (ZIP, 13.1MB)
Test Case - AERMET_Def_15181_AERMOD_15181_LOWWIND3 (ZIP, 13.1MB)
Test Case - AERMET_UStar_15181_AERMOD_15181_LOWWIND3 (ZIP, 13.1MB)
Test Case - MAXDCONT (ZIP, 4.3MB)
Installation Guide (Sample Run)
Read Me (TXT, 1KB) - please read this file first
Sample Run Instructions (PDF, 250KB) - detailed installation and execution instructions
Sample Run (ZIP, 1.3MB) - sample test case
Model Supporting Documents
Model Evaluation Paper (PDF, 1.3MB)
Bulk Richardson Number Evaluation Report (PDF, 329KB)

Comparison of Regulatory Design Concentrations: AERMOD vs ISCST3, CTDMPLUS, ISC-PRIME (PDF,

311KB)

Development and Evaluation of the PRIME Plume Rise and Building Downwash Model (PDF, 31KB)
Project PRIME: Evaluation of Building Downwash Models Using Field and Wind Tunnel Data (PDF,
18KB)

Development and Evaluation of the PRIME Plume Rise and Building Downwash Model (PDF, 588KB)
Evaluation of Bias in AERMOD-PVMRM (PDF, 236KB)
PVMRM and OLM Sensitivity Analysis (PDF, 522KB)
Ambient Ratio Method Version 2 (ARM2) Development and Evaluation Report (PDF, 2.2MB)
AERMOD Deposition Science Document (PDF, 196KB)
AERMOD Deposition Parameterizations Document (ZIP, 338KB)
Draft Peer Review Document (ZIP, 797KB) - For the AERMOD Deposition Parameterizations Document
(above)
Model Evaluation Databases
README (TXT, 1KB) - Document that explains the databases below that contain input and output data
for the model evaluation
AGA (ZIP, 2.1MB) - Input/output data for AGA: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Independent
Alaska (ZIP, 0.7MB) - Input/output data for Alaska: Flat, Rural Downwash, Developmental
Baldwin (ZIP, 4.6MB) - Input/output data for Bladwin: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash, Independent
Bowline (ZIP, 1.8MB) - Input/output data for Bowline: Flat, Rural, Downwash,
Developmental/Independent
Clifty Creek (ZIP, 3.5MB) - Input/output data for Clifty Creek: Flat, Rural , Non-downwash,
Independent
DAEC (ZIP, 1.1MB) - Input/output data for DAEC: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Developmental
EOCR (ZIP, 4.3MB) - Input/output data for EOCR: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Independent
Indianapolis (ZIP, 1.3MB) - Input/output data for Indianapolis: Flat, Urban, Non-downwash,
Developmental
Kincaid SF6 (ZIP, 3.1MB) - Input/output data for Kincaid SF6: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash,
Developmental
Kincaid SO2 (ZIP, 5.6MB) - Input/output data for Kincaid SO2: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash,
Developmental
Lee Wind Tunnel (ZIP, 13.4MB) - Input/output data for Lee Wind Tunnel: Flat, Rural, Downwash,
Independent
Lovett (ZIP, 9.0MB) - Input/output data for Lovett: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash, Developmental
Martin's Creek (ZIP, 11.5MB) - Input/output data for Martin's Creek: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash,
Independent
Millstone (ZIP, 0.6MB) - Input/output data for Millstone: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Developmental
Prairie Grass (ZIP, 0.4MB) - Input/output data for Prairie Grass: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash,
Developmental
Tracy (ZIP, 2.4MB) - Input/output data for Tracy: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash, Independent
Westvaco (ZIP, 10.1MB) - Input/output data for Westvaco: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash,
Independent

CALPUFF Modeling System

CALPUFF is a multi-layer, multi-species non-steady-state puff dispersion model that simulates the
effects of time- and space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation
and removal. CALPUFF can be applied on scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers. It includes
algorithms for subgrid scale effects (such as terrain impingement), as well as, longer range effects
(such as pollutant removal due to wet scavenging and dry deposition, chemical transformation, and
visibility effects of particulate matter concentrations).
--Please read the following before accessing the CALPUFF modeling system--

The files associated with this system, e.g., executables/source code, preprocessors, associated
utilities, test cases, selected meteorological data sets and documentation can be found on
Exponent's website. Support documents related to CALPUFF can be found on this website and are
listed below. Exponent will provide updates and changes as necessary for the CALPUFF modeling
system on their website. Users entering the Exponent website will have the opportunity to register
their e-mail addresses in order to receive notices of any updates to the system. This registration is
voluntary and not necessary to access the system files.
Upon entering the Exponent website, you will see the CALPUFF Model listing on the left-hand panel.
To access the system code, click on "DOWNLOAD", then click on Skip Registration if you do not want
to register. Go to Exponent
CALPUFF Regulatory Updates and Consequence Analysis
The current regulatory version of the CALPUFF Modeling System includes:
CALPUFF version 5.8.4, level 130731
CALMET version 5.8.4, level 130731
CALPOST version 6.221, level 080724
For every update of the "EPA-Approved" version of the CALPUFF Modeling System, a consequence
analysis is performed by USEPA using an update protocol that identifies what model changes have
been made and their implications based on the analysis results. This analysis compares the base
CALPUFF Modeling System (i.e., current regulatory version) with the beta (i.e., proposed updated
version).
Summary of Update Process
12-04-13 UPDATE
The USEPA has approved an update of CALMET and CALPUFF from V5.8 (dated June 23, 2007) to
V5.8.4 (dated July 31, 2013). This update includes portions of code changes described in Model
Change Bulletin E (MCB-E), MCB-F and MCB-G. The USEPA has approved only those portions of the
Model Change Bulletins that are recognized as bug fixes. All other code changes (enhancements and
new features) are not included at this time. A Modification of CALPUFF and CALMET Memorandum is
available and describes bug fixes versus enhancements in this update of CALPUFF and CALMET. Note
that the EPA-Approved version of CALPOST remains V6.221 (level 080724).
08-27-12 UPDATE
The EPA-Approved version of CALPOST has been updated from version 5.6394 (level 070622) to
version 6.221 (level 080724). Version 6.221 includes "Method 8" (MVISBK = 8, M8_MODE = 5,
MVISCHECK = 1), which utilizes the revised IMPROVE equation per the Federal Land Managers' Air
Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG) revised October 2010 Phase 1 Report. This update only
effects CALPOST and no other program in the CALPUFF System of programs. The EPA-approved
version of CALPUFF remains version 5.8 (level 070623), and the EPA-Approved version of CALMET is
still version 5.8 (level 070623).
02-15-12 UPDATE
The USEPA is releasing the Documentation of the Evaluation of CALPUFF and Other Long Range
Transport Models using Tracer Field Experiment Data (EPA Contract No: EP-D-07-102, Work
Assignment No: 4-06). This EPA report documents the evaluation of various Long Range Transport
(LRT) dispersion models using several inert tracer study field experiment data. The tracer studies
used include:

1)
2)
3)
4)

1980 Great Plains Field Experiment (GP80),

1975 Savannah River Laboratory Field Experiment (SRL75),
Cross Appalachian Tracer Experiment (CAPTEX), and
European Tracer Experiment (ETEX).

The LRT dispersion modeling was performed primarily by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) during 2008 to 2010 and builds off several previous LRT dispersion modeling studies that
evaluated models using tracer study field experiments. The work was performed primarily by Mr.
Bret Anderson while he was with EPA Region VII, EPA/OAQPS and the United States Forest Service
(USFS).
Disclaimer: Although this work was reviewed by EPA and approved for publication, it may not
necessarily reflect official Agency policy.
05-27-09 UPDATE
The USEPA is releasing the DRAFT document Reassessment of the Interagency Workgroup on Air
Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2 Summary Report: Revisions to Phase 2 Recommendations at this
time to provide additional technical information in support of the May 15, 2009 Model Clearinghouse
recommendations to U.S. EPA Region 8 regarding the Otter Tail BART modeling protocol. The
purpose of this document is to inform the modeling community of our concerns regarding the
CALPUFF modeling system for long range transport (LRT) applications, and to notify the community
of our plans for addressing these concerns. The draft revisions to the IWAQM Phase 2
recommendations provided in this document are still undergoing internal testing to assess their
viability for meeting the technical objectives of this reassessment. Some sections are still under
development and will be incorporated in future updates to the DRAFT document.
06-29-07 UPDATE
The USEPA has approved an update in CALPUFF from V5.711a (dated July 16, 2004) to V5.8 (dated
June 23, 2007). This update includes code changes described in Model Change Bulletin B (MCB-B),
MCB-C and MCB-D. CALMET has been updated from V5.53a (dated July 16, 2004) to V5.8 (dated
June 23, 2007). The new codes are based on the VISTAS-series codes (CALPUFF V5.756 and
CALMET V5.726) with the main changes being the addition of a regulatory switch in CALMET and
switch settings recommended by the USEPA to configure the models to be consistent with the prior
regulatory versions. A Model Update Report is available and describes the CALPUFF and CALMET
updates in greater detail.
06-15-06 UPDATE
The USEPA has approved an update to CALPUFF from v5.7 (dated April 2, 2003) to v5.711a (dated
July 16, 2004) as described in Model Change Bulletin A (MCB-A).
Support Documents
A Comparison of CALPUFF Modeling Results To Two Tracer Field Experiments. (1998) 48 pages
An Analysis of the Calmet/Calpuff Modeling System In A Screening Mode. (1998) 56 pages.
A Comparison of CALPUFF with ISC3. (1998) 50 pages
Application of CALMET/CALPUFF and MESOPUFF II to Compare Regulatory Design Concentrations for
a Typical Long-Range Transport Analysis. (2002) 88 pp.
Peer Review of Calmet/Calpuff Modeling System. (1998) 40 pp. Note: Part of Appendix F and all of
Appendix G are unavailable in electronic form.
Response to Peer Review Comments of Calmet/Calpuff Modeling System. (1998) 5 pages.
Technical Issues Related to CALPUFF Near-field Applications. (2008) 16 pages

Support Literature
Bennett, M.J, M.E. Yansura, I.G. Hornyik, J.M. Nall, D.G. Caniparoli and C.G. Ashmore, 2002.
Evaluation of the CALPUFF Long-range Transport Screening Technique by Comparison to Refined
CALPUFF Results for Several Power Plants in Both the Eastern and Western United States.
Proceedings of the Air & Waste Management Association's 95th Annual Conference, June 23-27,
2002; Baltimore, MD. Paper #43454.
Levy, JI; Spengler, JD; Hlinka, D; Sullivan, D; Moon, D (2002): Using CALPUFF to evaluate the
impacts of power plant emissions in Illinois: mode sensitivity and implications. Atmos. Environ. Vol
36(6):1063-1075.
Zhou, Y; Levy, JI; Hammitt, JK; Evans, JS (2003): Estimating population exposure to power plant
emissions using CALPUFF: a case study in Beijing, China. Atmos. Environ. Vol. 37(6):815-826

Other Preferred/Recommended Dispersion Models

BLP
BLP is a Gaussian plume dispersion model designed to handle unique modeling problems associated
with aluminum reduction plants, and other industrial sources where plume rise and downwash
effects from stationary line sources are important.
Model Code
Code/Executable/Test Cases/Post-processors (ZIP, 213KB)
Model Documentation
User's Guide (PDF, 5.8MB)
User's Guide Addendum (PDF, 505KB)
Model Change Bulletin (TXT, 1KB)
CALINE3
CALINE3 is a steady-state Gaussian dispersion model designed to determine air pollution
concentrations at receptor locations downwind of highways located in relatively uncomplicated
terrain. CALINE3 is incorporated into the more refined CAL3QHC and CAL3QHCR models.
Model Code
Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP, 442KB)
Model Documentation
User's Guide - Unabridged (PDF, 7.6MB)
User's Guide - Abridged (PDF, 108KB)
Latest Model Change Bulletin (TXT, 6KB)
CAL3QHC/CAL3QHCR
CAL3QHC is a CALINE3 based CO model with queuing and hot spot calculations and with a traffic
model to calculate delays and queues that occur at signalized intersections; CAL3QHCR is a more
refined version based on CAL3QHC that requires local meteorological data. Both models are
available below.
Model Code
CAL3QHC Executable (ZIP, 235KB)
CAL3QHCR Executable (ZIP, 917KB)

Model Documentation
CAL3QHC User's Guide (PDF, 2.4MB)
Latest CAL3QHC Model Change Bulletin (TXT, 5KB)
CAL3QHCR User's Guide (PDF, 209KB)
Latest CAL3QHCR Model Change Bulletin (TXT, 3KB)
CTDMPLUS
Complex Terrain Dispersion Model Plus Algorithms for Unstable Situations (CTDMPLUS) is a refined
point source gaussian air quality model for use in all stability conditions for complex terrain. The
model contains, in its entirety, the technology of CTDM for stable and neutral conditions. CTSCREEN
is the screening version of CTDMPLUS.
Model Code
Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP, 842KB)
Model Documentation
User's Guide Supplement (PDF, 60KB)
User's Guide, Volume 1 (PDF, 7MB)
User's Guide, Volume 2 (PDF, 2MB)
User's Guide for Terrain Preprocessor (PDF, 6MB)
User's Guide for Meteorological Preprocessor (PDF, 5MB)
Final Report (PDF, 16MB)
Latest Model Change Bulletin (TXT, 5KB)
OCD
Offshore and Coastal Dispersion Model Version 5 (OCD) is a straight line Gaussian model developed
to determine the impact of offshore emissions from point, area or line sources on the air quality of
coastal regions. OCD incorporates overwater plume transport and dispersion as well as changes
that occur as the plume crosses the shoreline. Hourly meteorological data are needed from both
offshore and onshore locations.
Model Code
Code/Executable (ZIP, 8.6MB)
Model Documentation
User's Guide (ZIP, 369MB)
User's Guide Supplement (PDF, 3.0MB)
Latest Model Change Bulletin (TXT, 6KB)

Photochemical Modeling
Photochemical air quality models have become widely recognized and routinely utilized tools for
regulatory analysis and attainment demonstrations by assessing the effectiveness of control

strategies. These photochemical models are large-scale air quality models that simulate the changes
of pollutant concentrations in the atmosphere using a set of mathematical equations characterizing the
chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere. These models
are applied at multiple spatial scales from local, regional, national,
and global.
There are two types of photochemical air quality models commonly
used in air quality assessments: the Lagrangian trajectory model
that employs a moving frame of reference, and the Eulerian grid
model that uses a fixed coordinate system with respect to the ground. Earlier generation modeling
efforts often adopted the Lagrangian approach to simulate the pollutants formation because of its
computational simplicity. The disadvantage of Lagrangian approach, however, is that the physical
processes it can describe are somewhat incomplete. Most of the current operational photochemical air
quality models have adopted the three-dimensional Eulerian grid modeling mainly because of its ability
to better and more fully characterize physical processes in the atmosphere and predict the species
concentrations throughout the entire model domain. This site provides links to several photochemical
air quality models as follows:
Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) - EPA's CMAQ modeling system is supported by the
Community Modeling and Analysis System (CMAS) Center. The CMAQ model includes state-of-thescience capabilities for conducting urban to regional scale simulations of multiple air quality issues,
including tropospheric ozone, fine particles, toxics, acid deposition, and visibility degradation.
Comprehensive Air quality Model with extensions (CAMx)

- The CAMx model

simulates air quality over many geographic scales. The model treats a wide variety of inert and
chemically active pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter, inorganic and organic PM2.5/PM10,
and mercury and other toxics. CAMx also has plume-in-grid and source apportionment capabilities.
Regional Modeling System for Aerosols and Deposition (REMSAD)

- REMSAD was

designed to calculate the concentrations of both inert and chemically reactive pollutants by simulating
the physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere that affect pollutant concentrations over
regional scales. It includes those processes relevant to regional haze, particulate matter and other
airborne pollutants, including soluble acidic components and mercury.
Urban Airshed Model Variable Grid (UAM-V )

- The UAM-V Photochemical

Modeling System was a pioneering effort in photochemical air quality modeling in the early 1970s and
has been used widely for air quality studies focusing on ozone. It is a three-dimensional photochemical
grid model designed to calculate the concentrations of both inert and chemically reactive pollutants by
simulating the physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere that affect pollutant concentrations.
This model is typically applied to model air quality "episodes" - periods during which adverse
meteorological conditions result in elevated ozone pollutant concentrations.

Over the last two decades, U.S.EPA has devoted significant efforts to developing photochemical air
quality models for the assessment of air pollution issues and evaluation of control strategies. The
EPA's Air Quality Modeling Group has used photochemical models as part of its modeling analyses to
support policy and regulatory decisions in OAR for which information can be found at Modeling
Applications & Tools and provides guidance on the use of these models for attainment
demonstrations available at Modeling Guidance & Support. Additional information about
photochemical models can be found at Related Links.

Receptor Modeling
Receptor models are mathematical or statistical procedures for identifying and quantifying the sources
of air pollutants at a receptor location. Unlike photochemical and dispersion air quality models,
receptor models do not use pollutant emissions, meteorological data and chemical transformation
mechanisms to estimate the contribution of sources to receptor concentrations. Instead, receptor
models use the chemical and physical characteristics of gases and particles measured at source and
receptor to both identify the presence of and to quantify source contributions to receptor
concentrations. These models are therefore a natural complement to other air quality models and are
used as part of State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for identifying sources contributing to air quality
problems. The EPA has developed the Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) and UNMIX models as well as the
Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) method for use in air quality management. CMB fully apportions
receptor concentrations to chemically distinct source-types depending upon the source profile
database, while UNMIX and PMF internally generate source profiles from the ambient data.
Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) - The EPA-CMB Version 8.2 uses source profiles and speciated
ambient data to quantify source contributions. Contributions are quantified from chemically distinct
source-types rather than from individual emitters. Sources with similiar chemical and physical
properties cannot be distinguished from each other by CMB.
UNMIX - The EPA UNMIX model unmixes the concentrations of chemical species measured in the
ambient air to identify the contributing sources. Chemical profiles of the sources are not required, but
instead are generated internally from the ambient data by UNMIX, using a mathematical formulation
based on a form of factor analysis. For a given selection of species, UNMIX estimates the number of
sources, the source compositions, and source contributions to each sample.
Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) - The PMF technique is a form of factor analysis where the
underlying co-variability of many variables (e.g., sample to sample variation in PM species) is
described by a smaller set of factors (e.g., PM sources) to which the original variables are related. The
structure of PMF permits maximum use of available data and better treatment of missing and belowdetection-limit values. Also available is a document which discusses the PMF methodology: "A Guide to
Positive Matrix Factorization" (PDF, 16 pp., 215 KB).

Additional Information about air quality models can be found at Related Links.