Relationship Between Model Complexity and Data Base Quality for Complex Terrain Tracer Experiments

摘要

The relationship between numerical air quality model complexity and experimental data base quality (density) was examined for tracer scenarios in complex terrain under stable nighttime conditions. To eliminate model to model incompatability and resolution variables, a single particle-in-cell model was used that can be operated in a range of complexity, from a three-dimensional time variable transport and diffusion model, with terrain, to a simple, steady state Gaussian plume model. The experimental data set used, consists of extensive meteorological data and tracer samples taken during a night-time drainage flow release scenario in an 8 km long valley. By systematically reducing the information in the meteorological part of this data set, a number of data sets of decreasing quality were constructed. 8 references, 6 figures, 1 table. (ERA citation 09:044498)