A new atmospheric study conducted at Colorado State University focusing on air quality in national parks showed a major reduction in particle pollution in the air. This results in significantly improved visibility.

Atmospheric conditions were simulated with photographs to show the difference in visibility. A side-by-side comparison between 1990 and 2010 showed a dramatic improvment in the air quality in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Air pollution has been a growing problem for many years in the Great Smokies with most of it originating from power plants and vehicle emissions.

According to the study, recent environmental regulations that were put into effect are the main reason for the improvements.

Great Smoky Mountains Spokesperson Molly Schroer stated, “There have been more controls put on power plants, emissions, and standards they have to reach. On our hazy days you can go to our overlooks and see a lot farther than you used to be able to see. About 10 years ago on the hot and hazy summer days you would have visibility of about nine miles. The last couple of years we can see 25 miles on the hazy days. I think it helps everything. It helps the wildlife. It helps the trees and the plants and the people that are visiting. We have the good visibility but we have also got a healthier environment to be in.”