Integrated Analysis of Acidification in Europe.

Abstract

This paper presents the interim status of the RAINS model developed at IIASA. The principle purpose of the model is to provide a tool to assist decision-makers in their evaluation of strategies to control acidification of Europe's environment. Model design emphasizes user comprehension and ease of use. The overall framework of RAINS consists of three linked compartments: "Pollutant Generation," "Atmospheric Processes" and "Environmental Impact." Each of these compartments can be filled by different substitutable submodels. The four submodels currently available are "Sulfur Emissions," EMEP Sulfur Transport," Forest Soil Acidity" and "Lake Acidity." Submodels which deal with NOx emissions and deposition and other environmental impacts will be added to the model. To operate the model, a user must select (1) an energy pathway, (2) a pollution control strategy and (3) an environmental impact indicator. This information is inputed to RAINS and yields a "scenario" which is a consistent set of energy pathway, sulfur emissions, forest soil acidity and lake acidity. In an iterative fashion, a model user can quickly evaluate the consequences of many different alternatives to control acidification in Europe