Title: The National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center modelling and decision-support system for radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness and response

Authors: John S. Nasstrom, Gayle Sugiyama, Ronald L. Baskett, Shawn C. Larsen, Michael M. Bradley

Addresses: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-103, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. ' Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-103, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. ' Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-103, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. ' Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-103, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. ' Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-103, Livermore, CA 94551, USA

Abstract: This paper describes the tools and services provided by a national centre for modelling the environmental and health impacts of airborne hazardous materials. This centre can provide emergency decision support information within minutes for a wide range of radiological, nuclear, chemical, and biological hazards from fires, industrial and transportation accidents, radiation dispersal device explosions, hazardous material spills, nuclear power plant accidents and nuclear detonations. Web- and internet-based software provides quick access to advanced modelling tools, as well as expert analyses from the centre. Model predictions include the 3D spatial and time-varying effects of weather, land use and terrain, on scales from the local to regional to global. Tools provide displays of plume predictions with affected population counts, detailed maps, and reports describing model assumptions, contamination and dose levels. On-scene information and measurements are used to refine model predictions.

Keywords: atmospheric dispersion modelling; decision support systems; DSS; measurement data assimilation; radiological emergency; nuclear emergency; emergency preparedness; emergency response; emergency management; airborne hazardous materials; air pollution; health impact; environmental impact; internet; web software.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2007.014301

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2007 Vol.4 No.3, pp.524 - 550

Published online: 30 Jun 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article