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Lagrangian Modeling of Pollutant Dispersal in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

EPA Grant Number: R823419
Title: Lagrangian Modeling of Pollutant Dispersal in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Investigators: Weil, Jeffrey C.
Institution: University of Colorado
EPA Project Officer: Shapiro, Paul
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1997 (Extended to September 30, 1998)
Project Amount: $164,473
RFA: Exploratory Research - Chemistry and Physics of Air (1995)
Research Category: Engineering and Environmental Chemistry

Description:

The objective of this project is to gain an improved understanding and modeling capability of buoyant plume dispersal in the convective atmospheric boundary layer (CABL). The project focuses on modeling of the mean and root-mean-square (rms) concentration fields due to buoyant plume releases from elevated sources. Two approaches are being pursued. The first is a numerical hybrid Lagrangian model consisting of: 1) a stochastic (statistical) method for modeling the plume meander due to the large-scale turbulent eddies in the ambient flow, and 2) an entrainment model for describing the plume rise and growth relative to these large-scale eddies. The second approach is a simpler analytical method in which the mean and rms concentration fields are obtained by tracing "particle" trajectories using the probability distributions of the vertical and lateral turbulent velocities in the CABL. The models are being evaluated with existing laboratory measurements of plume dispersion in a convection tank and with field observations around power plants. Using the mean and rms concentration levels from this study, one can describe the concentration probability distribution at locations downwind of elevated pollution sources. This distribution can then be used to estimate the peak concentrations of toxic and hazardous air pollutants and the level of risk associated with them.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 3 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

air, ambient air, atmosphere, particulates, physics, modeling, central, Colorado, CO, Region 8 , Air, Geographic Area, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, air toxics, Atmospheric Sciences, EPA Region, particulate matter, Environmental Chemistry, State, tropospheric ozone, ambient air quality, ambient emissions, pollution dispersion models, atmospheric aerosols, Langraian modeling, power plants, Lagrangian approach, buoyant plume dispersal, entrainment model, air pollutants, air quality models, particulates, Region 8, atmospheric particles, stratospheric ozone, air pollution models, modeling, ambient aerosol, Colorado (CO)

Progress and Final Reports:
Final Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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