Title: Roughness length parameterisation in urban boundary layers

Authors: Armando Pelliccioni; Paolo Monti; Giovanni Leuzzi

Addresses: INAIL-DIPIA, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00040, Monteporzio Catone, Roma, Italy ' DICEA, Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Italy ' DICEA, Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Italy

Abstract: In an attempt to develop an improved model for the wind-speed profile valid for urban boundary layers, the role played by the roughness length z₀, i.e., the constant of integration of the vertical gradient of the wind speed, is extended. z₀ is assumed here as a 'dynamic' variable rather than as a 'geometric' parameter independent of the flow properties. On the basis of experiments conducted in a park located within the city of Rome and in the laboratory, it is found that in neutral conditions the 'vertical' profile of the roughness length shows a nearly exponential decrease with height.

Keywords: Monin-Obukhov similarity theory; MOST; urban boundary layers; canopy layer; buildings; displacement height; inertial sublayer; ISL; urban heat islands; roughness length; CEDVAL; modelling; wind speed profile; aerodynamic roughness; Rome; Italy; dispersion modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2014.065900

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2014 Vol.55 No.1/2/3/4, pp.13 - 21

Published online: 17 Dec 2014 *

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