Typhoon-Induced High PM10 Concentration Events in South Korea: A Comprehensive Analysis of Pre-, During, and Post-Typhoon Periods

This study challenges the commonly held belief that typhoons universally improve air quality by dispersing pollutants, offering new insights into their complex effects on PM10 concentrations. Through a comprehensive analysis of long-term data (2001–2021) from seven major South Korean cities, we demonstrate that typhoons can lead to significant increases in PM10 concentrations, particularly before and after their passage, under specific meteorological conditions. Contrary to the prevailing assumption, PM10 levels often rise before typhoons due to atmospheric stagnation, and after typhoons due to subsidence and long-range pollutant transport. Our results indicate that the post-typhoon period is particularly prone to high-PM10 events, with PM10 concentrations increasing by 84.5% in Incheon, 60.8% in Busan, and 62.3% in Gwangju. A case study of Typhoon MITAK revealed that pre-typhoon atmospheric conditions contributed to PM10 concentrations exceeding 81 μg/m3 in Seoul, a level classified as ‘unhealthy’ by Korean air quality standards. These findings challenge existing perceptions and provide essential insights into the complex relationship between typhoons and air pollution. The study underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced dynamics of typhoon-induced air pollution and its implications for air quality management, particularly in the context of ongoing climate change and urbanization. Moreover, the integration of real-time monitoring data into predictive air quality models could enhance the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of typhoon-induced air pollution in vulnerable regions.