Airshed

/ˈɛərˌʃɛd/ noun

Definition

A region of the atmosphere with similar air quality and weather patterns, typically defined by geographic and meteorological boundaries; the airspace serving a particular geographic area.

Etymology

Compound from 'air' and 'shed' (region/area), modeled after 'watershed,' created by environmental scientists and meteorologists in the mid-20th century.

Kelly Says

Airsheds are invisible geography—pollution in one airshed affects entire regions, which is why acid rain from midwest factories fell on eastern forests, and why air quality is a regional, not local, problem.

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