Title: Short-term fine resolution WRF forecast data validation in complex terrain in Slovenia

Authors: Marija Zlata Božnar; Primož Mlakar; Boštjan Grašič

Addresses: MEIS d.o.o., Mali Vrh pri Šmarju 78, SI-1293 Šmarje-Sap, Slovenia ' MEIS d.o.o., Mali Vrh pri Šmarju 78, SI-1293 Šmarje-Sap, Slovenia ' MEIS d.o.o., Mali Vrh pri Šmarju 78, SI-1293 Šmarje-Sap, Slovenia

Abstract: For the air pollution modelling studies over highly complex terrain, vertical wind profiles are essential. In the article we present evaluation about using the WRF model as the source of wind profile information. We tested WRF's one day short-term forecasts at 4 km and half hour resolution running every day to obtain 3D meteorological fields and compared these data with the different meteorological stations. The results show an inadequate agreement with ground level meteorological stations, especially in basins and valleys, and a better agreement with stations situated at the top of hills and with a tower station. A novel approach to the terrain complexity characterisation of the area under examination is defined - 'height and length of Topographic complexity, hlTc'.

Keywords: meteorological forecasting; data validation; height; length; topographic complexity; hlTc; vertical wind profiles; measurements; radiosonde; RASS; SODAR; WRF model; short-term forecasts; Slovenia; atmospheric dispersion modelling; air pollution; air quality; terrain complexity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2012.051176

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2012 Vol.50 No.1/2/3/4, pp.12 - 21

Published online: 19 Nov 2014 *

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