Title: Simulation of atmospheric dispersion in the convective boundary layer: comparison between two Lagrangian particle models

Authors: E. Ferrero, D. Anfossi, G. Brusasca, G. Tinarelli, S. Alessandrini, S. Trini Castelli

Addresses: Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecn. Av., Universita, C.so Borsalino 54, 15100 Alessandria, Italy. ' CNR, Istituto di Cosmogeofisica, C.so Fiume 4, 10133 Turin, Italy. ' ENEL/CRAM, Via Rubattino 54, 20134, Milan, Italy. ' ENEL/CRAM, Via Rubattino 54, 20134, Milan, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Fisica Generale, Universita, Via Giuria 1, 10125 Turin, Italy

Abstract: The results obtained in convective boundary layer dispersion by two Lagrangian particle models (according to Thomson|s 1984 and 1987 papers) are compared. First, the sensitivity of the two models in accounting for the third-order moment of vertical wind speed fluctuations has been assessed, considering homogeneous non-Gaussian turbulence. Then, the ability of the two models to simulate the ground-level concentration field has been tested, by comparing their predictions with tracer data measured in two experiments. The first is one of the well-known water tank experiments performed by Willis and Deardorff in 1978, the second is the Katrex field experiment (Thomas et al., 1983). The results obtained in the case of the controlled conditions seem to recommend the use of the model based on Thomson|s 1987 paper, whereas the performances of both models are comparable in simulating a real case.

Keywords: air pollution; convective boundary layers; Lagrangian particle models; model intercomparison; atmospheric dispersion models; environmental pollution; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.1997.028179

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 1997 Vol.8 No.3/4/5/6, pp.315 - 323

Published online: 15 Sep 2009 *

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