Abstract
The parametrizations of meteorological variables provided by the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) is of major importance for pollutant dispersion assessment. However, the complex flow pattern that characterizes the urban areas limits the applicability of the MOST. In this work, the performance of different existing parametrizations of the standard deviation of vertical wind velocity were tested in the city of Rome. Results were compared with experimental data acquired by a sonic detection and ranging (SODAR) and a sonic anemometer. Different scaling variables estimated from the anemometer data by considering two coordinate systems—one aligned with the geodetic reference frame and the other following the flow streamlines—were used to evaluate the effects of flow distortion due to the presence of buildings. Results suggest that the MOST parametrizations perform better if the scaling variables obtained using the coordinate system following the flow streamlines are used. This estimation of the scaling variables would make it possible to overcome the difficulties in conducting measurements of turbulent fluxes, either at different altitudes or even in the constant flux layer.
Highlights
In atmospheric pollution modelling, knowledge of the meteorological variables is essential, as they govern transport and dispersion of the pollutants [1]
The Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) states that the vertical profiles of some meteorological variables, such as wind velocity, air temperature, and turbulent fluxes, can be obtained by algebraic relationships dependent on the height and on the scaling variables
The MOST can be applied for steady and horizontally homogeneous conditions, when the wind is not calm, and the terrain is substantially devoid of orography or obstacles [2]
Summary
Knowledge of the meteorological variables is essential, as they govern transport and dispersion of the pollutants [1]. The most important variables are wind speed and direction, height of the mixing layer, and parameters linked with atmospheric turbulence. The latter plays a fundamental role in dispersive phenomena since it is effective at causing mixing, in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL, e.g., [2]). In the framework of ABL flows, the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST; [4]) has given rise to a profusion of considerable efforts in the search for general laws suitable for various atmospheric stability conditions [5]. The MOST can be applied for steady and horizontally homogeneous conditions, when the wind is not calm, and the terrain is substantially devoid of orography or obstacles [2]
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