Title: Simulations of atmospheric dispersion in an urban stable boundary layer

Authors: E. Ferrero, D. Anfossi, G. Tinarelli

Addresses: Dip. di Scienze e Tecnologie Avanzate, Univ. del Piemonte Orientale ''Amedeo Avogadro'', Corso T. Borsalino 54, I-15100 Alessandria, Italy. Istituto di Cosmo-geofisica del CNR, Corso Fiume 4, I-10133 Torino, Italy. ARIANET s.r.l, viale Elvezia 92, I-20052 Monza, Milan, Italy

Abstract: The results of numerical simulations of tracer dispersion in an urban stable boundary layer are presented. Both Gaussian approximation and fourth order closure are considered and a Gram-Charlier probability density function is used in our Lagrangian stochastic model. Different parameterisations for the boundary-layer height and different values of kurtosis are tested. The model is based on the generalised Langevin equation, whose coefficients are solution of the Fokker-Planck equation and plume rise is taken into account. The model accuracy is assessed by means of a model evaluation based on the predicted and observed crosswind integrated concentrations, maximum on the arc and standard deviation of the crosswind concentration distribution on the arc.

Keywords: atmospheric dispersion; Lagrangian stochastic model; nocturnal stable conditions; urban boundary layer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2001.000600

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2001 Vol.16 No.1/2/3/4/5/6, pp.1-8

Published online: 18 Jul 2003 *

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