Strengths and weaknesses of the FAIRMODE benchmarking methodology for the evaluation of air quality models

The Forum of Air Quality Modelling in Europe (FAIRMODE) was launched in 2007 to bring together air quality modellers and users in order to promote and support the harmonised use of models by EU Member States, with emphasis on model application under the European Air Quality Directive. In this context, a methodology for evaluating air quality model applications has been developed. This paper presents an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the FAIRMODE benchmarking approach, based on users' feedback. European wide, regional and urban scale model applications, developed by different research groups over Europe, have been taken into account. The analysis is focused on the main pollutants under the Air Quality Directive, namely PM10, NO2 and 0(3). The different case studies are described and analysed with respect to the methodologies applied for model evaluation and quality assurance. This model evaluation intercomparison demonstrates the potential of a harmonised evaluation and benchmarking methodology. A SWOT analysis of the FAIRMODE benchmarking approach is performed based on feedback from users of the tool. This analysis helps to identify the main advantages and value of this model evaluation benchmarking approach compared with other methodologies, in addition to highlighting requirements for future development.