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Home page of China Air Pollution Data Center (CAPDC). Credit: CAPDC
Regulations such as the Clean Air Law promulgated in 2013 have made great strides in improving air quality in China, but air pollution is becoming increasingly complex. Despite significant improvements, economic development and increased vehicle activity are creating new challenges, such as ozone production.3) Pollution complicates the air quality management situation.
In response, a dedicated air pollution data center was launched with support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)'s major research project titled “Basic research on the formation and response mechanisms of air pollution complexes in China.” It was done. This effort aims to delve into the formation mechanisms of air pollution, key chemical and physical processes, and their interconnectedness.
This large-scale research program consisted of 76 individual research projects, yielding extensive and high-quality data. A comprehensive data sharing platform was launched in 2020 to integrate and disseminate these findings for the benefit of scientific research on air pollution.
Led by Peking University and in cooperation with Tsinghua University, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Normal University, and 3Clear Science & Technology Co., Ltd., this platform marks the establishment of the China Air Pollution Data Center. (CAPDC).
CAPDC, accessible at www.capdatabase.cn, is the first data-sharing platform specifically focused on the complexities of air pollution in China. The platform is designed to be inclusive and welcomes national and international scientists.
An introduction to CAPDC was published in a magazine. Advances in atmospheric science, which categorizes the results of major research programs into eight different categories, covering both data and non-data types. Data categories include emissions inventories, chemical reanalyses, field observations, satellite observations, laboratory measurements, and source profiles, comprising a total of 258 datasets. Results for non-data types are further divided into emerging technologies and online source allocation techniques, for a total of 15 reports.
Here is an overview of some of the main data categories available in CAPDC.
- Emissions Inventory: We offer nine datasets covering a variety of anthropogenic and natural sources, including the 2017 China 10 km resolution emissions inventory.
- Chemical reanalysis: Consists of three datasets including high-resolution air quality reanalysis and PM.2.5 Composition data is continuously updated on the platform.
- Field observations: We provide 221 datasets from 2011 to 2021, capturing field measurements in 41 cities, focusing on parameters such as cloud properties and aerosol parameters.
- Satellite Observations: Collate high-resolution data on various air pollutants through the Major Research Plan and ChinaHighAirPollutants (CHAP) datasets.
- Laboratory measurements: Includes physicochemical property parameters and chemical reaction parameters across six datasets.
The CAPDC website provides bilingual access in Chinese and English, and facilitates functions such as querying project information, searching and downloading data, after registration and acceptance of data usage terms. In particular, emissions inventories, chemical reanalyses, and satellite observation data can be previewed before downloading.
“Looking to the future, CAPDC aims to expand its repository with additional data and resources to continually improve the user experience and strengthen efforts in the fight against air pollution.” Professor Mei Zheng of Peking University said:
For more information:
Mei Zheng et al., a newly established air pollution data center in China, Advances in atmospheric science (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-024-4055-4
Magazine information:
Advances in atmospheric science