Dispersion Modelling and Observations from Elevated Sources in Coastal Terrain

TLDR: In this article, Lagrangian Atmospheric Dispersion Model (LADM) is used to simulate the transport and diffusion of emissions from discrete sources, for impact distances ranging from hundreds of metres to a few hundred kilometres.

Abstract: This study is focussed on the Central Coast region of New South Wales, on the east coast of Australia, where Pacific Power Inc. operates three power stations, situated on small lakes within a few kilometres of the coast. One of the objectives of the study was to assess the suitability and value of our modelling system to the air quality assessment needs of Pacific Power in the region, including the evaluation of green-fields sites for future power stations. The dispersion of plumes from all power stations throughout the year is not only influenced by the terrain blocking and channeling of the synoptic winds, but also by mesoscale wind systems such as sea breezes and drainage flows. Our Lagrangian Atmospheric Dispersion Model (LADM) predicts winds and turbulence and uses these to simulate the transport and diffusion of emissions from discrete sources, for impact distances ranging from hundreds of metres to a few hundred kilometres. In this paper we compare LADM results to available observations in the far field.