Title: Unified model intercomparison for volcanic ash transport modelling

Authors: Don Morton; Dèlia Arnold; Peter Webley; Gerhard Wotawa; Barbara Stunder

Addresses: Boreal Scientific Computing LLC, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA; Arctic Region Supercomputing Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, USA ' Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics, Vienna, Austria ' Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA ' Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics, Vienna, Austria ' NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Air Resources Laboratory, College Park, Maryland USA

Abstract: Our group is pursuing a volcanic ash transport model intercomparison study to evaluate the relative performance of several atmospheric transport models for selected case studies. These intercomparisons require the definition of standard output formats for producing results in a common framework. We define here the common format and develop a set of evaluation tools, allowing for side-by-side comparisons on a level playing field and providing a platform for further quantitative evaluation. The tools developed have widespread applicability to a number of ATM activities and are demonstrated in the realm of volcanic ash transport modelling. The Crater Peak, Mount Spurr eruption of 1992, Alaska, is used as a case study, employing HYSPLIT, FLEXPART and PUFF with common meteorological driving data, and with releases and intrinsic-model set-ups as similar as possible.

Keywords: particle dispersion modelling; volcanic ash model intercomparison; HYSPLIT; FLEXPART; PUFF; Mount Spurr; atmospheric dispersion modelling; air pollution; volcanic ash transport; volcanoes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2014.065926

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2014 Vol.55 No.1/2/3/4, pp.210 - 218

Published online: 17 Dec 2014 *

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