High-Resolution Local-Scale Simulations of Meteorological Conditions and Wind Fields over the Fukushima Region in March 2011

Abstract

AbstractAfter the great Tohoku earthquake occurred on 11 March 2011, the dispersion of radioactive materials in the atmosphere from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant induces serious environmental pollution that is enhanced in the eastern part of Fukushima Prefecture. Considering that nuclear power plants in Japan locate over and/or near complex and complicated terrains, it is critical to understand local-scale wind systems over such complex terrains. This study investigates the characteristics of local-scale wind fields over the complex terrain of Fukushima by conducting high-resolution meteorological simulations that represent small-scale terrain features focused in the eastern area of Fukushima. The analyses are made for the relationship between the complex terrain and the low-level wind fields. The effects of the complex terrains are clearly demonstrated for winds near the surface. It is emphasized that resolving small-scale terrain features at the resolution on the order of 100 m is critically important in accurately simulating low-level winds over complex terrains.KeywordsComplex terrainFukushima Daiichi nuclear power plantLocal wind