Title: Model evaluation of RIMPUFF within complex terrain using an ⁴¹Ar radiological dataset

Authors: Leisa L. Dyer; Poul Astrup

Addresses: Safety, Environmental and Radiological Assurance (SERA), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Sydney, Australia Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia ' Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksborgvej 399, Building 118, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark

Abstract: The newly updated atmospheric dispersion model RIMPUFF is evaluated using routine releases of ⁴¹Ar from the former HIFAR research reactor located in Sydney, Australia. A large number of ⁴¹Ar measurements from a network of environmental gamma detectors are used to evaluate the model under a range of atmospheric stability conditions within the complex terrain area. Model sensitivity of input data is analysed including meteorological station data, land use maps, surface roughness and wind interpolation schemes. Various model evaluation tools are used such as gamma dose rate plots, exploratory data analyses and relevant statistical performance measures.

Keywords: model evaluation; dispersion modelling; radiological protection; complex terrain; emergency response; gamma detectors; air pollution; air quality; atmospheric dispersion; Australia; radiation detection.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2012.049661

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2012 Vol.48 No.1/2/3/4, pp.145 - 155

Published online: 19 Nov 2014 *

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