Comparison of atmospheric transport calculations over complex terrain using a mobile profiling system and rawinsondes

A comparison of atmospheric transport and dispersion calculations over comp lex terrain was investigated using a mobile profiling system (MPS) versus s tandard meteorological balloons. Meteorological and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6) concentration data were collected and used to evaluate the performance o f a transport and diffusion model coupled with a mass consistency wind fiel d model. Meteorological data were collected throughout April 1995, and part s of August 1995. Both meteorological and concentration data were measured in December 1995. Once the models were validated, the comparison of perform ance with different upper-air data were accomplished. The models used inclu ded the SCIPUFF (Second-order Closure Integrated Puff) transport and diffus ion model and the MINERVE mass consistency wind model. Evaluation of the mo dels was focused primarily on their effectiveness as a short-term rone to f our hours) predictive tool. There studies showed how the combination of wea ther and transport models could be used to help direct emergency, response following a hazardous material release. The models were used in tandem to d irect the deployment of mobile sensors intended to intercept and measure tr acer clouds. The MINER VE model was validated for the specific terrain of i nterest using April 1995 data. The capability, of SCIPUFF driven by realist ic three-dimensional wind fields generated by MINERVE is demonstrated using data collected in December 1995.