Imported ozone

Scientist Ian Faloona checks an intake tube mounted on the exterior of Bernard M. Oliver Observing Station.

Scientist Ian Faloona checks an intake tube mounted on the exterior of Bernard M. Oliver Observing Station.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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From an observatory on Chews Ridge in the Santa Lucia Mountains, scientists are measuring ozone arriving in California from across the Pacific.

Pollution detection

Scientists at an observation station in the mountains between the Pacific Ocean and the Salinas Valley are measuring pollution from Asia.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Pollution detection

Scientists Gordon Jones, left, Jim Podolske, Andrew Post and Ian Faloona gather on the roof of the station.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Pollution detection

Gordon Jones of the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy looks out from telescope tower of the station.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Pollution detection

The station sits atop Chews Ridge in the Los Padres National Forest some 5,000 feet above sea level near Carmel.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Pollution detection

Ian Faloona, right, an atmospheric scientist at UC Davis, and postgraduate student Andrew Post repair and calibrate equipment used to measure air quality.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)