Manual for modelling and mapping critical loads & levels

Critical loads/levels are defined as ‘the atmospheric deposition/concentration of atmospheric pollutants below which adverse effects on receptors such as human beings, plants, ecosystems or materials do not occur according to present scientific knowledge’. Critical loads/levels exceedance maps show the difference between the critical load/level and the mapped monitored or modelled air pollutant load/levels and therefore show in which areas across Europe receptors are at risk from adverse effects of air pollutants. Further details on modelling and mapping critical levels of air pollutants for vegetation can be found in chapter 3 of the Modelling and Mapping Manual of the LRTAP Convention.  The latest version of chapter 3 (23.06.11) can be downloaded below.

Chapter 3 - Mapping critical levels for vegetation (pdf)