Field Studies for Determining the Characteristics and Dynamics of Local Circulations

摘要

The US Department of Energy sponsored Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) program is designed to improve our understanding of the physical processes that govern pollutant dispersion in areas of complex terrain and to develop the technology needed to predict the air quality impact of pollutants released into terrain dominated flows. The focus of the program has been on the study of the characteristics of locally generated valley circulations with the primary emphasis being on evaluating the life-cycle of nocturnal cold air slope and valley flows. This phenomenon was selected on the basis of its importance for transporting pollutants from energy related facilities to population centers that are generally situated within valleys. The program's field studies component, which is closely integrated with the modeling activities, provides the data needed to evaluate the characteristics and dynamics of locally generated valley circulations. The Geysers geothermal area in northern California, situated within the coastal-mountain range, was chosen as the initial field studies area. Three series of major field experiments were performed in this area during the period from 1979 to 1981. 12 figs.