FThe aim of this study was to carry out a preliminary test of the air quality modelling system (HIRES- AIRCHEM) developed at The University of New South Wales, particularly with regard to the forecast ozone distribution. This was achieved by assimilating the New South Wales State Environment Protection Authority (EPA) emissions inventory, consisting of road and non-road sources, and running the system over the Sydney metropolitan area for the four day period 25-28 February 1998. During this period ozone readings exceeded the EPA’s goal of 8pphm on several occasions. The model forecasts of ozone distribution verified well with the EPA’s ozone readings. This result has important implications for possible future use of the system as a tool for routinely predicting and assessing air quality.

• Milton S. Speer(Bureau of Meteorology) Corresponding Author
• Lance M. Leslie(School of Meteorology. The University of Oklahoma)