The Effect of the Vertical Source Distribution on Scalar Statistics within and above a Forest Canopy

S. L. Edburg, D. Stock, B. K. Lamb, E. G. Patton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about in-canopy processes that may alter forest-atmosphere exchanges of trace gases and aerosols. To improve our understanding of in-canopy mixing, we use large-eddy simulation to study the effect of scalar source/sink distributions on scalar concentration moments, fluxes, and correlation coefficients within and above an ideal forest canopy. Scalars are emitted from: (1) the ground, (2) the canopy, and (3) both the ground and the canopy; a scalar is also deposited onto the canopy. All scalar concentration moments, fluxes, and correlation coefficients are affected by the source location/distribution, as is the scalar segregation intensity. We conclude that vertical source/sink distribution has a profound impact on scalar concentration profiles, fluxes, correlation coefficient, and scalar segregation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)365-382
Number of pages18
JournalBoundary-Layer Meteorology
Volume142
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • Biogenic volatile organic compounds
  • Dispersion
  • Forest canopy
  • Large-eddy simulation
  • Scalar transport
  • Turbulence

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