Introducing a new article by Dr. Ha Thi Minh Phuc in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP)
The Faculty of Geography - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM hereby presents a newly published article by Dr. Ha Thi Minh Phuc, a lecturer within the Department of Environmental Geography. The article has been published in the esteemed international journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP), which has a considerable impact on the field of atmospheric science (the journal is ranked Q1 in the WoS, Scopus, Google Scholar lists, etc.). It is noteworthy that the number of female authors has only reached approximately one-third of the total number of authors over the years.
The article, titled "Assessing BC and CO emissions from China using EMeRGe aircraft observations and WRF/CMAQ modelling", is the result of cooperation between Vietnamese, Japanese and European scientists within the framework of the EMeRGe monitoring campaign in East Asia. The present study concentrated on the assessment of black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from China, combining HALO aircraft observations with the WRF/CMAQ atmospheric air quality model.
By comparing the aircraft measurements with simulation results, the team was able to determine the extent of bias in widely used emission inventories. This is a significant step in comprehending the uncertainty inherent in emissions assessments, a major contributing factor to the discrepancy between air quality simulations and regional climate assessments.
The primary findings of the study indicate that the existing datasets are subject to substantial biases. It has been determined that the emissions of black carbon in China are disproportionately higher than the observed figures. Conversely, the emissions of carbon monoxide are lower than the expected values. Consequently, the atmospheric model forecasts elevated levels of BC and diminished levels of CO, contrasting with the values measured on the aircraft. Following a comprehensive analysis of a multitude of flight paths under a range of meteorological conditions, the team determined the necessary corrections for each pollutant. The findings revealed that the BC correction was overestimated about 50% and required reduction, while the CO correction was underestimated about 20% and needed adjustment to more accurately reflect actual emissions.
These corrections contribute to significantly reducing the uncertainty in emission assessments and improving the quality of atmospheric simulations, especially in studies related to transboundary transport of pollution, climate impacts of short-lived pollutants, as well as environmental risk assessment in the East Asia region. The calibrated model exhibited a superior capacity to replicate observations under a range of meteorological conditions, thereby substantiating the method's viability for future studies.
The article by Dr. Ha Thi Minh Phuc exemplifies a contemporary interdisciplinary scientific approach, integrating experimental observations, modelling, and big data analysis, which is characteristic of the training and research activities of the Department of Geography. The work under consideration makes a significant contribution to the promotion of understanding of regional emissions, in addition to supporting the development of environmental policy and the expansion of opportunities for international cooperation in the field of atmosphere-environment.
Publication information:
Ha, P. T. M., Kanaya, Y., Yamaji, K., et al. (2025). Assessing BC and CO emissions from China using EMeRGe aircraft observations and WRF/CMAQ modelling. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 25, 13429–13452.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-13429-2025
By HP.
