A numerical model for the simulation of SO2 concentrations in the Kyongin region, Korea

A method for solving the non-reactive tracer continuity equation using a time splitting technique and a Galerkin technique with chapeau functions as finite elements for the horizontal advection has been developed and employed to simulate SO2 concentrations in the Kyongin region in Korea for a synoptic case of high pollution potential days in autumn with the relatively strong southwesterly geostrophic wind at the 850 hPa pressure level. The paired comparisons between hourly observed and the simulated SO2 concentrations are made to test the model performance. The result indicates that the present model simulates quite well horizontal distribution patterns of SO2 concentration. However, the simulated concentrations depend largely on the emission rate, suggesting the importance of accurate source identification for the accurate simulation of the concentration field.