Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion (AT&D) models are utilized for a variety of purposes, including regulatory air quality impact analyses, volcanic–ash–cloud transport prediction, emergency management planning, operational emergency response, and strategic military WMD counter–proliferation efforts. A key ingredient to AT&D modeling is the accurate description and representation of the ambient atmospheric conditions, which drive both the transport speed and the resulting dispersion rates of the airborne material. Although operational atmospheric observation networks can be used, most are unable to resolve the spatial and temporal scales of motion that are essential to AT&D processes. Atmospheric models, combined with these observation networks, can therefore be used to provide a more complete depiction of the driving atmospheric conditions.

In NSAP's efforts to develop, operate, and deploy state of the art numerical weather prediction model–based solutions, it utilizes both operational and research grade Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion (AT&D) models. Operational models, such as Sage Management's Second Order Closure Integrated Puff (SCIPUFF) model and Los Alamos National Laboratory's QUIC model, have been integrated with NSAP's Real Time Four Dimensional Data Assimilation (RTFDDA) model, the Variational Doppler RADAR Assimilation System (VDRAS), and the Variational LIDAR Assimilation System (VLAS) to provide real time analyses and forecasts of hazardous–material plumes. Research grade models, such as NCAR's Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model (LPDM) and the National Institute for Standards and Technology's CONTAM model have been combined with NCAR's EUlerian LAGrangian (EULAG) Large Eddy Simulator (LES) model to produce realistic synthetic turbulent environments and hazard release scenarios, within which Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) can be performed. Lastly, NSAP has utilized EPA regulatory models, such as TRC's CALPUFF model, to perform air quality impact studies.

Primary Contacts

• BETANCOURT, Terri: | NSAP DEPUTY DIRECTOR | ph: 8489 | email: terrib