Assessment of cruise–ship activity influences on emissions, air quality, and visibility in Glacier Bay National Park

Cruise-ship emissions significantly impact air quality and visibility in Glacier Bay National Park, with potential for substantial mitigation through speed restrictions and Emission Control Areas (ECAs). The study found that cruising at a constant speed of 6.69 m/s could reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by 32% and slightly improve visibility. Implementing an ECA in Alaska could further cut PM emissions by 74%, enhancing visibility by up to 0.2 deciviews on the best-visibility days. The research used an activity-based emission model combined with the Weather Research and Forecasting model to assess these impacts, revealing that spatial distribution of emissions and concentrations varies significantly with altered cruise speeds, affecting areas up to 30 km downwind.

Mölders, N., Gende, S., & Pirhalla, M. (2013). Assessment of cruise–ship activity influences on emissions, air quality, and visibility in Glacier Bay National Park. Atmospheric Pollution Research, 4(4), 435–445. https://doi.org/10.5094/apr.2013.050