Predictions of plume dispersion in complex terrain: Eulerian versus Lagrangian models

Simulations of dispersion from an elevated point source in complex terrain and non-stationary flow are presented using the Lagrangian atmospheric dispersion model (LADM, Physick et al., 1992, Air Pollution Modeling and its Applications, Vol. IX, pp. 725–729, Plenum Press, New York; 1994 CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research Technical Paper No. 24) and the Eulerian grid-based model (CALGRID, Yamartino et al., 1989, CALGRID: a mesoscale photochemical grid model, Vol. I; model formation document, Report, Sacarmento, California). Both models use the same predicted windfields. We find that 1. • the different algorithms used for release of pollutants into the model domains lead to initial concentrations at the release height in LADM one-third higher than in CALGRID.2. • The CALGRID plume spreads laterally over a larger region than does the LADM plume due to the finite-difference approach of CALGRID. The pollutant mass in the extra volume occupied by the CALGRID plume is less than 10% of that released.3. • The essentials of morning fumigation are simulated more realistically under the Lagrangian approach. In LADM the elevated plume is mixed down to the ground rapidly, causing a sharp increase in ground-level concentrations (glc), whereas, in CALGRID glc increase more gradually over a few hours.4. • The use of hourly averaged windfields in CALGRID compared to 10 min windfields in LADM leads to a relative separation of the two modelled plumes of 5 km at a distance of roughly 6 km downwind from the sources at 1500 LST. Consequently in complex terrain and non-stationary conditions, the plumes are subjected to different three-dimensional wind regimes. For the particular terrain studied, roughly 3% of the pollutant mass emitted into CALGRID during the day is transported above 3000 m after 1700 LST whereas only 0.8% is transported above this height in LADM.5. • During the daytime the CALGRID simulation produces maximum glc which are about 40% smaller than those predicted by LADM.