A Simple Numerical Simulation of Urban Mixing Depths

A. Henderson-Sellers Department of Geography, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, U.K.

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Abstract

A simple model of urban mixing height is developed and yields an equation for the height of the inversion h′ as a function of distance downwind into the city in the case of non-planar topography. Since many British cities are not situated on a flat terrain the consideration of the effect of topographical features may be of particular importance. The model, which is demonstrated to be valid for most times of the day, has been used in urban studies permitting rapid calculation of mixed-layer depths, ground-level concentrations and distribution of aerosols.

Abstract

A simple model of urban mixing height is developed and yields an equation for the height of the inversion h′ as a function of distance downwind into the city in the case of non-planar topography. Since many British cities are not situated on a flat terrain the consideration of the effect of topographical features may be of particular importance. The model, which is demonstrated to be valid for most times of the day, has been used in urban studies permitting rapid calculation of mixed-layer depths, ground-level concentrations and distribution of aerosols.

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