Recent advancements in numerical modelling of flow and dispersion in urban areas: a short review

Abstract

This paper reviews recent findings in the field of flow and pollutant dispersion modelling around buildings and within complex urban geometries. Complexity is not only associated to the packing density of buildings, but originates also from building-height variability, buoyancy effects close to the building walls, traffic-produced turbulence and from the presence of vegetation. Recent results are discussed in light of progress made in operational urban dispersion models as a way forward for the application of those models in real scenarios.