Simulation of elevated long-range plume transport using a mesoscale meteorological model

Abstract

A three-dimensional mesoscale meteorological model was used to construct a modeling system in order to investigate atmospheric dispersion in mesoscale flow fields. The mesoscale model was first coupled to a three-dimensional Monte Carlo (Lagrangian particle) dispersion model, and then an Eulerian dispersion model was embedded into the mesoscale model. Both the Eulerian model and the Monte Carlo model are based on the wind and turbulence fields simulated by the mesoscale model. The modeling system was then applied to the Tennessee Plume Study field experiments on 23 August 1978. The field experiments were basically designed to provide information on the dynamics of plume transport over long distances, and primarily targeted the plume from the Cumberland steam plant. Wind and turbulence fields were first simulated by the mesoscale model. The transport and diffusion of pollutants from the Cumberland steam plant were then simulated by the dispersion models, using these wind and turbulence fields. The results demonstrated that the modeling system generally performed satisfactorily, reproducing the trajectory and spread of the Cumberland plume.