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A comparison of the Monte Carlo and the flux gradient method for atmospheric diffusion

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6721167
In order to model the dispersal of atmospheric pollutants in the planetary boundary layer, various methods of parameterizing turbulent diffusion have been employed. The purpose of this paper is to use a three-dimensional particle-in-cell transport and diffusion model to compare the Markov chain (Monte Carlo) method of statistical particle diffusion with the deterministic flux gradient (K-theory) method. The two methods are heavily used in the study of atmospheric diffusion under complex conditions, with the Monte Carlo method gaining in popularity partly because of its more direct application of turbulence parameters. The basis of comparison is a data set from night-time drainage flow tracer experiments performed by the US Department of Energy Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) program at the Geysers geothermal region in northern California. The Atmospheric Diffusion Particle-In-Cell (ADPIC) model used is the main model in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory emergency response program: Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC). As a particle model, it can simulate diffusion in both the flux gradient and Monte Carlo modes. 9 refs., 6 figs.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
6721167
Report Number(s):
UCRL-102141; CONF-900534--3; ON: DE90015040
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150200 -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
CALIFORNIA
COMPLEX TERRAIN
DIFFUSION
DRAINAGE
EMERGENCY PLANS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION IX
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
Geothermal Legacy
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NORTH AMERICA
PARTICLE MODELS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
POLLUTANTS
STATISTICAL MODELS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
USA