A desk-top computer forecast for emergency response planning

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5704493

Yamada, T; Bunker, S; Williams, M; Bice, B

The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the feasibility of running a three-dimensional weather forecast model on a desk-top computer. For emergency response planning, the ability to forecast wind, temperature, and atmospheric turbulence is essential in order to predict the transport and diffusion of an accidental release of toxic materials. We must follow a plume for a long distance to meet tighter regulations to protect human health and the environment. Most models for emergency response are based on the assumption that wind and turbulence conditions at the time of the release will be representative over the period for which dispersion must be predicted. For small releases where the principal concern is within the first few kilometers of travel, such an assumption is appropriate. However, for large releases during stable conditions, the plume may travel for several hours and the assumption of persistence is invalid. Under these circumstances a model which can forecast changes in wind and turbulence conditions is required. 6 refs., 3 figs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5704493
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-89-2964; CONF-8907103-7; ON: DE89016783
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500100* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION
COMPUTERS
DIGITAL COMPUTERS
EMERGENCY PLANS
FORECASTING
GROUND RELEASE
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MICROCOMPUTERS
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
PLUMES
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WEATHER
WIND