Introduction To Air Quality Modeling

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Introduction to Air Quality Modeling

Have you ever wondered how scientists predict where air pollution travels, who is exposed to it, and how environmental decisions are made before a factory is built or an emergency occurs? This course provides a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to the fascinating world of air quality modeling.

Designed for students, researchers, environmental professionals, engineers, and anyone interested in atmospheric science, this course explains the fundamental concepts behind atmospheric dispersion without requiring prior experience. Through easy-to-follow explanations and real-world examples, you’ll learn how pollutants are transported, dispersed, and transformed in the atmosphere.

We’ll explore the major families of air quality models, including Gaussian, Lagrangian, Eulerian, CFD, and Integral models, while introducing industry-leading tools such as AERMOD, HYSPLIT, FLEXPART, WRF-Chem, and CHIMERE. You’ll understand when each model should be used, their strengths and limitations, and the scientific principles that drive them.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently distinguish between different modeling approaches, understand the fundamentals of atmospheric dispersion, and select the appropriate modeling technique for a wide range of environmental applications—from industrial permitting and environmental impact assessments to emergency response and regional air quality forecasting.

Whether you’re preparing for advanced modeling courses or simply want to understand how modern air quality predictions are made, this course provides the perfect foundation to begin your journey into atmospheric dispersion modeling.