Imported ozone

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)

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

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

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)

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)