Potential sources of pollutants can be identified by analyzing back traject
ories associated with extreme ambient concentrations. Conditional frequency
analysis (CFA) was used to identify statistically significant associations
of geographical regions and ambient air quality observed at sites near the
Grand Canyon. Stratification by season reveals a pattern of association du
ring the fall quarter that is not observed during other seasons. Applicatio
n of CFA to different source tracers provides additional information on the
nature of the associations. Tracer species that were often below detection
limits can be studied because the method requires only that the highest co
ncentrations be identified.