On the Limits to Manage Air-Quality in Glacier Bay

Cruise-ship emissions dominate air quality in Glacier Bay National Park, contributing 60–80% of daily mean SO2 and NO2 concentrations below 1 km height on days with visits and up to 40% even without recent visits. A study using WRF/Chem simulations revealed that while these emissions significantly influence pollutant levels—particularly in stagnant weather conditions—their interaction with other sources, including distant pollutants, varies by altitude and location, with the strongest effects observed in cruise-ship berthing areas. Despite anthropogenic origins for all coarse particulate matter, visibility is primarily limited by meteorological factors. The findings highlight both constraints and opportunities for managing air quality and visibility in this UNESCO-listed region.

Mölders, N., & Gende, S. (2016). On the Limits to Manage Air-Quality in Glacier Bay. Journal of Environmental Protection, 07(12), 1923–1955. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2016.712151