Atmospheric transport and dispersion of pollutants and related meteorological studies. Progress report, FY 1982

Research emphasizes model simulation and experimental verification of the transport and dispersion of atmospheric pollutants. Field experiments of mechanisms affecting long-range transport which provide dispersion data for verification of regional and continental models are stressed. A multi-layer trajectory-dispersion model that incorporates the effects of wind shear was tested against long-range concentration data. Models for prognostic trajectory calculations, using wind fields, have been recoded to permit operational procedures on interactive terminals; and will be used in tracer experiments and emergencies. A new tracer system, using perfluorocarbons, has been developed to provide for long-range dispersion experiments and model validation studies. The tracer system was used in the DOE-ASCOT studies of nocturnal drainage flows in the Geysers geothermal development area. A long-range dispersion study, the Cross-Appalachian Tracer Experiments (CAPTEX) is planned. There will be a series of perfluorocarbon tracer releases in the Ohio Valley with tracer concentration measurements from Ohio to the East Coast. A trial run is planned for September 1982 and a full-scale program in the summer of 1983. A high voluem version of the automatic sequential sampler and an inexpensive adsorption tube sampler were developed. Another tracer experiment is being carried out in collaboration with the DOE Savnnah River Laboratorymore » to provide long-term, regional-scale transport and diffusion data for air pollution model verification. Krypton-85, is sampled at five stations from 300 to 1000 km to the northeast. This one-year twice daily sampling program may be extended to 18 months.« less