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Evaluation of the turbulence parametrization in the MOLOCH meteorological model
Author(s) -
Trini Castelli Silvia,
Bisignano Andrea,
Donateo Antonio,
Landi Tony C.,
Martano Paolo,
Malguzzi Piero
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
quarterly journal of the royal meteorological society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.744
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1477-870X
pISSN - 0035-9009
DOI - 10.1002/qj.3661
Subject(s) - parametrization (atmospheric modeling) , turbulence , turbulence kinetic energy , environmental science , closure (psychology) , meteorology , atmospheric sciences , k epsilon turbulence model , atmospheric turbulence , atmospheric instability , dispersion (optics) , wind speed , physics , quantum mechanics , radiative transfer , optics , economics , market economy
An appropriate parametrization of turbulence is fundamental both in meteorological and atmospheric dispersion models, in order to properly simulate the dynamics of the flow and of the pollutants transported by it. The turbulence closure adopted in the meteorological model MOLOCH is presented, and its reliability and effectiveness are evaluated based on turbulent kinetic energy data measured at two suburban sites in north and south Italy. Very different topographical situations characterise the two sites, an Alpine and a coastal region, respectively. Particular attention is paid in assessing the low‐wind speed regime, a critical condition for air pollution, associated with turbulent features not yet fully understood. The analysis has proved that the turbulence closure in the MOLOCH model is able to capture and effectively reproduce the observed low‐level atmospheric turbulence processes, in all stability conditions.