CLRTAP (2024) Manual on Methodologies and Criteria for Modelling and Mapping Critical Loads and Levels and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends. Umweltbundesamt, Dessau.
The principal objectives of this Mapping Manual are to describe methods that are recommended for use by the Parties to the Convention, represented by their National Focal Centres. The Modelling and Mapping Manual can help and assist NFCs to:
- model and map critical levels and loads in the ECE region;
- model and map areas with air pollution values exceeding critical levels or loads;
- develop, harmonize and apply methods and procedures (including dynamic modelling) to assess recovery and risk of future damage on specific targets including biodiversity in a context of climate change;
- determine and identify sensitive receptors and locations.
Thus, it provides a scientific basis on the application of critical levels and loads, their interrelationships, and the consequences for abatement strategies, e.g., for the assessment of optimized allocation of emission reductions.
This Manual includes methodologies used by ICP Materials to assess the impact of pollution on corrosion and soiling of building materials (Ch. 4) and by ICP Vegetation concerning the impact of air pollutants, and especially ozone, on crops and semi-natural vegetation (Ch. 3).
This manual is structured in the following 8 chapters:
- Introduction
- Guidance on mapping concentrations levels and deposition levels
- Mapping critical levels for vegetation (prepared under the leadership of ICP Vegetation)
- Mapping effects on materials (prepared under the leadership of ICP Materials)
- Mapping critical loads for ecosystems
- Dynamic modelling
- Exceedance calculations
- General mapping issues
Background documents
Nilsson J, Grennfelt P (eds.) (1988) Critical Loads for Sulphur and Nitrogen. Reprint of the workshop report, Skokloster, Sweden.
Sverdrup H, Warfvinge P (eds.) (1993) The effect of soil acidification on the growth of trees, grass and herbs as expressed by the (Ca+MG+K)/AL ratio. Reports in ecology and environmental engineering. Lund University, Department of Chemical Engineering II, 2nd revised edition, Lund, Sweden.
