In past modeling tips, we have discussed how to estimate sub-hourly pollutant concentrations using AERMOD, a Gaussian plume dispersion model with an hourly minimum time step. Now we look at how a similar concept can be modeled using a different modeling system – CALPUFF.
When viewing results from an air dispersion model run, the primary concern of many modelers are conditions measured at receptors located in areas generally accessible by the public. This may preclude modeling from occurring within well-defined property boundaries that restrict public access to a facility.
Most air dispersion modeling analyses will result in a large number of data files. Besides input and output files, projects can contain meteorological data, terrain data, digital base maps, and other external data files. Whether you’re modeling a simple scenario in AERMOD or a complex regional study in CALPUFF, there will be many different file types to account for.
When using CALPUFF, modelers can add hourly background concentration or deposition flux values to the modeled results before averages are processed in CALPOST. Lakes Environmental added a Background Data File Maker utility to CALPUFF View to make this process even easier.
When conducting an air quality modeling analysis, you may be called on to compute concentrations at sensitive receptors. While specific definitions of sensitive receptors vary from one jurisdiction to the next, it most commonly refers to receptors used in a modeling analysis to represent a sensitive population. Examples include schools, daycare facilities, hospitals, care facilities, and more.
The Mesoscale Model Interface Program (MMIF) formats prognostic meteorological model (WRF, MM5) output for use in air quality models.