Development of an analytical Lagrangian model for passive scalar dispersion in low-wind speed meandering conditions

• Published in: Physica A Vol. 492; pp. 1007 - 1015
• Main Authors: Stefanello, M.B., Degrazia, G.A., Mortarini, L., Buligon, L., Maldaner, S., Carvalho, J.C., Acevedo, O.C., Martins, L.G.N., Anfossi, D., Buriol, C., Roberti, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15-02-2018
• Subjects: Horizontal wind meandering; Lagrangian stochastic model; Passive scalar dispersion; Stable boundary layer; Submeso; Submeso; Stable boundary layer; Lagrangian stochastic model; Passive scalar dispersion; Horizontal wind meandering
• ISSN: 0378-4371; 1873-2119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2017.11.031

Describing the effects of wind meandering motions on the dispersion of scalars is a challenging task, since this type of flow represents a physical state characterized by multiple scales. In this study, a Lagrangian stochastic diffusion model is derived to describe scalar transport during the horizontal wind meandering phenomenon that occurs within a planetary boundary layer. The model is derived from the linearization of the Langevin equation, and it employs a heuristic functional form that represents the autocorrelation function of meandering motion. The new solutions, which describe the longitudinal and lateral wind components, were used to simulate tracer experiments that were performed in low-wind speed conditions. The results of the comparison indicate that the new model can effectively reproduce the observed concentrations of the contaminants, and therefore, it can satisfactorily describe enhanced dispersion effects due to the presence of meandering.
•Scalar transport during the horizontal wind meandering phenomenon is investigated.•A Lagrangian stochastic diffusion model is derived to describe the scalar transport.•The new model reproduces fairly well the observed contaminant concentrations.