Title: Development and first tests of a data assimilation algorithm in a Lagrangian puff atmospheric dispersion model

Authors: V. Tsiouri, I. Kovalets, S. Andronopoulos, J.G. Bartzis

Addresses: Environmental Research Laboratory, Institute of Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection, NCSR 'Demokritos', 15310 Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Greece; and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Bakola & Sialvera str., 50100, Kozani, Greece. ' Department of Environmental Modelling, Institute of Mathematical Machine and System Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, pr. Glushkova-42, Kiev 03187, Ukraine. ' Environmental Research Laboratory, Institute of Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection, NCSR 'Demokritos', 15310 Agia Paraskevi Attikis, Greece. ' Environmental Technology Laboratory, Department of Engineering and Management of Energy Resources, University of Western Macedonia, Bakola & Sialvera, 50100, Kozani, Greece

Abstract: The development of a Data Assimilation algorithm based on variational approach that allows estimation of source emission rate in Lagrangian particle/puff Atmospheric Dispersion Models for non-stationary (wind and source) conditions is presented. The one-dimensional tests including constant and variable in time source emission rate and wind velocity showed that methodology can be extended to take into account variable meteorological conditions. In the 2-dimensional atmospheric dispersion test cases the sensitivity of the developed method on the spatial density of the measurement network was evaluated and an optimal value for the parameter rmod (error of observations proportional to observed concentrations) was estimated.

Keywords: variational method; source rate; emergency response systems; data assimilation; puff models; Lagrangian particle model; atmospheric dispersion modelling; air pollution; air quality; variable meteorological conditions; emission rate; wind velocity; wind speed.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2011.038413

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2011 Vol.44 No.1/2/3/4, pp.147 - 155

Published online: 29 Apr 2015 *

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