Vertical ozone transport over the Tibetan Plateau and its impact on downstream areas

    Ozone is a crucial component of the atmosphere, serving as both a filter for ultraviolet radiation and a significant constituent of greenhouse gases. Additionally, it plays a vital role in photochemical smog. The complex terrain of the Tibetan Plateau makes it a sensitive and vulnerable region to global environmental and climate changes. Using the fifth reanalysis data for ozone from the European Centre and employing statistical and diagnostic analyses, we investigated the vertical transport of ozone and its downstream impacts. The results show that during summer, the predominant factor contributing to the formation of an "ozone hole" over the plateau is the upward transport of ozone with low concentrations from the troposphere. Conversely, in winter, the transportation of ozone with elevated concentrations from the stratosphere to the troposphere through specific channels significantly influences the distribution of ozone across the plateau. The blocking effect of the plateau causes elevated concentrations of lower tropospheric ozone downstream in the westerlies, at the same latitude. The research holds significant practical value for a comprehensive understanding of the patterns of ozone variation over the plateau and its downstream impacts, contributing to disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.