The dispersion of tracer plumes in mountainous regions in central Arizona: comparisons between observations and modeling results

R. T. Bruintjes, T. L. Clark, W. D. Hall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

A three-dimensional, time-dependent, nested-grid model is used to calculate the targeting of tracer or seeding material over complex terrain in northern Arizona. Good agreement with measurements of SF6 tracer is reported in three case studies. Released in upwind valleys, the tracer movement and dispersion are strongly influenced by both valley flow and gravity waves excited by the mountains, as well as by changes in the synoptic flow, which can change substantially even during a single storm. The interaction between the airflow and the topography seem to be the dominant factor determining the dispersion and transport of tracer material. -Authors

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)971-988
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

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