Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

A Parameterization of Vertical Dispersion of Ground-Level Releases

Shuming Du College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California

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Akula Venkatram College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California

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Print Publication:
01 Aug 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450(1997)036<1004:APOVDO>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
1004–1015
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Abstract

The authors propose a simple parameterization for estimating vertical dispersion in the surface boundary layer. It improves upon methods proposed earlier (e.g., by van Ulden, Briggs, and Pasquill and Smith) in that it is based on simulation results generated from a Lagrangian stochastic model, which represents the current understanding of dispersion; parameterizations proposed by other investigators have relied on semiempirical K theory or Lagrangian similarity theories. The new parameterization has been evaluated with data gathered from Project Prairie Grass and from the National Reactor Test Station in Idaho.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Akula Venkatram, College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0425.

Abstract

The authors propose a simple parameterization for estimating vertical dispersion in the surface boundary layer. It improves upon methods proposed earlier (e.g., by van Ulden, Briggs, and Pasquill and Smith) in that it is based on simulation results generated from a Lagrangian stochastic model, which represents the current understanding of dispersion; parameterizations proposed by other investigators have relied on semiempirical K theory or Lagrangian similarity theories. The new parameterization has been evaluated with data gathered from Project Prairie Grass and from the National Reactor Test Station in Idaho.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Akula Venkatram, College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0425.

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Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology

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